Complete T5 swap thread - one way to skin the cat

[Slemmy]

Originally Posted by Old Bleu

Allens4876, I first tried to contact Hamilton Intakes about their adapter, and never got any response. I've read here that others had the same experience. Lugnutz put me on to Vintage Metalworks, and I ordered his spacer plate. It fit perfectly and looked to be be very well made. The only modifications that I had to make were shortening the driveshaft, slightly shortening the bearing retainer and slightly lowering the crossmember that holds the e-brake levers on my '64. I still need to get a new speedo gear in my T5 since my speedometer is 15% or so fast with my 3.73 gears. I've also discovered that my T5 is leaking ATF at the speedometer connection, but I'll install a new "bullet" with seal and o-ring when the speedo gear is replaced.

I don't have a lot of miles on mine since the swap, but it definitely makes driving the truck a much more enjoyable experience!

Bringing an old thread back to life with a question - do you know approx how much you had to shorten the bearing retainer for use with the Vintage Metalworks spacer plate? I also bought one from Dave at VM and I'd like to know how much I need to shorten it before i start putting it all back together.

Thanks a million!