Tranny swap

[macleay]

Hi. Newbie owner here. I have a 65 c20 with a 283 High Torque engine and Saginaw 3 speed with 4.71 rearend gears I believe.
My question is: What tranny can I bolt in to give me a higher top end? Right now I'm not comfortable doing much over 50-55 mph. I'd like to be able to cruise around 70 without damaging the engine.
And is there a cheap tilt column replacement? Like another model chevy that can be pulled from a wrecking yard and dropped in? My big ol' belly would appreciate it! lol

[TJ's Chevy]

4.11 or 4.56 is probably what the gearing is. If you are not doing any heavy towing then a 3.73 or 3.54(if that's available) rear axle ratio would help a lot. Personally I'd scout an NV4500 5 speed out. Then you'd be able to leave the low gearing so you could tow...but also have an over drive.

[Captainfab]

Upgrading to either a NV3500 or NV4500 will require converting to a hydraulic clutch also. I do make a booster bracket with the hydraulic clutch conversion for the '63-'66 trucks. Changing the differential to a 14 bolt with 3.73 gears might be a less expensive option. I also make the trailing arm mounts for the 14 bolts.

[nail pounder]

Stock 1966 C20 w/4:56 rear, nv3500 5spd is great. I have 31" diameter tires and at 80mph it spins about 2600, 65mph is around 2100rpm. 1st is still pretty low, if I'm heading downhill from a light I start in 2nd. The 4500 is stronger but I have no complaints with the 3500.

[macleay]

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like the 3500 would be the direction I'd go, if I can find one in the right price range. I'm also trying to find the axle ID stamp. There's a ton of crud still built up on the rear end. Just trying to see what I have. The specs I read said it could be either a 4:11 or a 4:57. When I stated 4:71 I guess I had a dyslexic moment. lol

[Captainfab]

Just pull the rear cover and have a look at what gears you have. The differential is one of the most neglected parts of a vehicle. More than likely the oil needs changed. All it will cost you is 2-3 quarts of gear oil, and cover gasket and some time. In return you will know exactly what gears your differential has, it's basic condition and the peace of mind knowing that your differential has fresh oil and will be good for a while.