Total Bolt In Astro T5 OD Trans (250 I6) All GM Off the Shelf Parts-1965 C10 SBSS

[Sharps40]

Don't think so...hiem joint goes on a threaded rod that goes into a threaded hole in the pusher shaft. But there are three heims and a pusher nut so, loads of adjustment. Simply yank on heim and screw it or its threaded rod in or out.

[MikeN]

Thanks, that's what I thought. The rod going to my throwout bearing fork is tight to my headers. After looking at your photos, I think I can adjust at the fork end with the nut that rides on the pusher. I think I'm going to go with that heim joint kit, my factory stuff is worn out and sloppy.

[Sharps40]

Hang tight. Some pics of the interference we had with the frame using this kit are pending. I havn't looked yet but suspect we had to notch the frame for the nut on the bottom of the down rod.

[Sharps40]

Heim joint linkage installation in Post 14 updated to depict resolution of heavy clutch feel, inadequate stroke/interference issues with aftermarket heim joint linkage.

[Sharps40]

Updated post 15. Front and back photos of the fit of the Astro Van T5 on a low hump floor and on the 1965 bellhouseing. Zero modifications/True and total bolt on. All factory or off the shelf replacement parts and for all intents you can call it All Chevy!

[Sharps40]

Driveshaft info added at post #16

[Sharps40]

Post #11 updated, comparing V8 Camaro, S10 and Astro Van T5s for installation on our bell housings.

[Sharps40]

Okay. Time to drink bourbon and let the dogs lick my mustash and see if they get drunk too. I got a bit more travelin to do and so this week will be mostly driving the new set up and getting used to the new tune and new feeling of the fully articulated clutch.

And....

I'm still waiting on that damnable 25 tooth speedo gear to finish up that section/report on if its successful or epic fail..fellas if ya can, get the right drive gear on the trans rebuild so you don't have to hunt down such an obsolete driven gear or pop for a high dollar ratio reducer.

[KJSR]

Originally Posted by Sharps40

Don't think so...hiem joint goes on a threaded rod that goes into a threaded hole in the pusher shaft. But there are three heims and a pusher nut so, loads of adjustment. Simply yank on heim and screw it or its threaded rod in or out.

If you used the LMC kit it is adjustable w/o unbolting the heims. Just loosen the jam nuts accordingly.

[Sharps40]

I didn't think they threads were reversed, but I didn't install it either. Figured it was all right pitch on every part.

[Sharps40]

Post #2 updated with part numbers, prices, links, etc.

[Sharps40]

I made place holders at 17-20 for RPMs noted/driving impressions/questions received by PM/step by step instructions.

[short&wide65]

Awesome thread! How would one of these transmissions fare behind a built 250?

[Softpatch]

thanks Sharps40 great thread will never look at another early Astro the same again....sp

[Sharps40]

Originally Posted by short&wide65

Awesome thread! How would one of these transmissions fare behind a built 250?

I think they would be fine. Tom Langdon can tell you more. He described it to me this way. The Astro Trans was designed and placed behind a 260 cubic inch motor with allowance for abusive driving with a motor of that size and strength.

The S10 trans was designed and placed behind a considerably smaller motor with allowance for abusive driving with a motor of that size and strength.

He described burnouts and wheel hop as a real tranny killer/prime example of abuse.

My impression is he knows folks use the S10 trans in large heavy trucks but considers other variants to be a better choice with greater margin of "woops, foot slipped".

Send him an email or give him a call.

[Sharps40]

Originally Posted by Softpatch

thanks Sharps40 great thread will never look at another early Astro the same again....sp

Ha! If you find one with that good T5 box in it....ye'll experience Astro Van Syndrome.

It's sorta like being the well endowed homily gal at the high school prom.....Everyone wants to get ahold of some parts but no one wants to ride it!

[Sharps40]

Updated post #17, RPM/MPH in various gears.

Updated post #18, Initial driving impressions for each gear including reverse.

[Sharps40]

Started fleshing out Step by Step at Post #19

[Sharps40]

Between visits to the shop, talking with the mechanic and the shop manager I believe Post #19 is a sound Step By Step guide to the removal of the peanut and installation of the Astro Van T5.

[Sharps40]

Met and talked with the shop about power brakes and the leaky oil seal. We are goin back in early Jan to get both done.

Meantime a critical tidbit came out as we went over the parts list again. I'll add it in red to the parts list.

There are three length throwout bearings, short, medium and long. The Astro Van clutch kit we used came with a long throwout bearing. The installation on the 65 Bellhouseing required the short bearing. Once the short throwout bearing was installed,.....everything slid in and works perfect.

[Sharps40]

Almost forgot. We discussed the rear main. This shop and another that regularly uses Crate Engines and Remans has seen more than a couple come in with the rear main seal installed backwards......i.e. leaks! Prolly worth a check if you can see it before you button up a pan on a crate engine you purchase in the future.

[Sharps40]

Updates to post #20.

Price breakdown for each part/labor hour I was charged for. And a short list of the freebies and TLC that came with the deal.

[Sharps40]

That's it. Been thru it a few times. I think its 95%. I'll look it over again a time or two and make sure I didn't mess up somewhere with the descriptions....but other than a speedo gear (and I can add that later) I think this install thread is Done!

Hope it helps. Go T5 or yer stuck with Peanuts!

[luvbowties]

Hey sharps40, just read your thread and I congrat you on an excellent documentary. Great, logical, step-by-stepper including exc. pics with comments. Just a wonderful write-up for someone wanting to install the T5--as well as for us who enjoy others' projects just as we do our own. Thanks, man, for adding so much to our forum. GREAT JOB!
Sam

[Sharps40]

Kind words Sam. Thanks. I hope it serves as encouragement for some to go ahead and make the switch.