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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Anaheim, Calif.
Posts: 361
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Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I've got a 1970 Chevy truck with a manual trans. Granny low, 2nd, third and fourth but you always just use 2, 3 and 4, never the granny low.
Works great, but I just can't deal with it anymore in SoCal traffic. I'm going to put a 700r4 in instead. Do some people like these old trannys ? |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 588
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I have one in my old '72 Stepside and I still like it. With 373 gears, I don't have to worry about speeding tickets. LOL!
Pat |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lakeway, TX
Posts: 335
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I swapped one out of a square body, replaced with 700r4. Regretted it. Manuals are cool.
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1972 GMC Sierra Grande (current truck) 1980 Chevy Stepside (gone) 1987 Chevy Blazer (gone) 1972 Chevelle SS Convertible (gone) 1973 Chevy Corvette (gone) 1967 Chevy Camaro (STOLEN!) |
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#4 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I love them. No different on the highway than an automatic. Same final drive ratio, 1:1. They started calling 1st low, second 1st, and so on when people started getting too modern to figure things out on their own
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Larkspur, Colorado
Posts: 916
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I have never been crazy about the SM 465 used in these trucks. That said it is a wonderful overbuilt transmission that is practically bulletproof. Keep it full of clean oil and it’s 1,000,000 mile unit.
What I don’t like about it : The hideous spread and rpm drop from 2nd to 3rd. The heavy gear train makes it a slow shifting unit. No overdrive. Noisy. Unless SOCAL traffic is just that much more aggressive than the rest of the country here’s a tip that might work for you. You’ll notice that semi trucks will pace traffic hanging behind five or 10 car lengths just creeping along. Stop and go in a semi truck is a real ***** with that heavy clutch, so what I (and others) do when driving a semi is put it in the lowest gear and just let it idle creeping along. Try doing the same in your truck and use your granny gear. You’ll wind up clutching in traffic maybe 10% what you did before. Steve weim55 Colorado Last edited by weim55; 12-02-2019 at 10:03 PM. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,782
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I'm a big fan of manual trans for work trucks and hot rods but not as much for lengthy commutes in heavy traffic..
my [dad's] 65 C20 and my red 71 longhorn are both 4 speeds with no plans of changing.. I will admit they can be challenging in slow traffic where gear selection is limited.. easy to drive on your own pace but not so much matching other driver's pace in stop n go traffic.. I did convert my 74 C20 4 speed to TH400 over 20 years ago when commuting to LA.. really depends on the use of the truck, which for me are all destined to join me in retirement.. then I don't plan on dealing with any traffic for any reason ![]()
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,957
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I don't mind the SM420-SM465's as they are a good transmission but I think that I would like to try an A833 New Process in one out of a late 70's through mid 80's Chevy truck. I don't currently have a 4-speed truck to be able to convert but I think that they would be fun.
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Roy 85 Short Bed Silverado- Work in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564818 1987 R10 shortie |
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#8 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
When doing "truck stuff" with a truck, a big ol' beefy granny low 4 speed for towing or hauling can't be beat. I love them.
Gary
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'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
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#9 | |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,396
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Quote:
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#10 |
Carpe manana
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Posts: 12,382
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Useful these days as an added anti-theft measure
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1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 ![]() |
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#11 |
Senior Member
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Location: Waterford California
Posts: 2,526
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Probably one of the most bullet proof tranny's ever made, very popular with the 4WD crowd to transplant into the old jeeps.
I hear the NV 4500 is also now a very popular transplant. |
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#12 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Waterford California
Posts: 2,526
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. James, MO
Posts: 1,239
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I replaced the PG in my '67 with a manual, once upon a time.
I wouldn't trade the SM 465 in my '96 for any auto transmission ever made. Sure, it *is* a little more work in traffic, but it *does* a WHOLE LOT MORE work when I need it to.
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'69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt. |
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#14 | |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,396
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Quote:
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#15 |
Senior Member
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Location: Harrison, Arkansas
Posts: 9,815
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
X2 on the anti theft device. Actually, Pete, that truck that got stolen the other day was a stick shift.
The 71 I drive every day has a 700R4, but, I don't have to drive in California traffic. I drove all the way to California to purchase a K10 because it had a four speed. But, I don't have to drive in California traffic. I drive a heavy rig like Steve does, and seldom use a clutch even when I do shift. But, I don't have to drive in California traffic.
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,782
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
just on the news in my office a moment ago..
yah, yer left calf would be the size of a watermelon ![]() ![]() as mentioned above, this traffic is difficult to negotiate with sm465, sm420, etc.. great truck trans for truck duties but waaay out of place out here.. lugging lower gears through normal places that experience brief congestion works.. but out here, you get sniped so often might as well leave it in neutral ![]() and funny thing about antitheft, Mrs. Bee and I took the longhorn out on a date recently.. both door locks are out for repairs so I was a little concerned parking on main st in seal beach.. she just looked at me and laughed and said it's a cool truck they'd love to have but likely couldn't drive ![]()
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I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it |
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#17 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I love the slower pace that comes with the truck 4spd. Driving like an impulsive ant isn't a law. I'm proud to be one who makes people slow down a bit. It's good for them. If they bump you while shifting slow they bust up their car and you drive away unharmed. That'll learn 'em. They'd be at fault. But I don't drive in LA
I just saw a video where a gal on a scooter hopped over right in front up against a pusher garbage truck sitting in traffic. She only had room to sit sideways in front of his bumper. No way he could see her. Traffic started moving and the truck plowed over her. Out from under the rear appeared a squashed scooter and she crawled up and sat to the side pondering what just happened. Looked to be unharmed. The truck just moved right along oblivious to the whole ordeal. It was one of those "Now you're thinking" moments ![]()
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-03-2019 at 11:31 AM. |
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#18 |
All about them K’s
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Location: Land of Entrapment
Posts: 6,375
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I love my 465, I’ve had a few of them over the years. They are almost impossible to kill if you keep up with oil changes and don’t grind reverse. I love mine enough that I went thru it last year and made sure it’s up to par for the next 50 years. The hydraulic clutch is quite nice a as well, no more watermelon leg.
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Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0 ![]() |
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#19 |
Senior Member
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Location: Herculaneum MO (20 minutes south of St. Louis
Posts: 618
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
You got that right lol
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67 C10 283 T5 swapped longbed fleetside = wife's daily driver 67 C20 292 (originally a 250)4speed longbed fleetside w/original wooden bed=my project truck 67 C10 283+.060 (so a 292 as well)T5 swapped longbed fleetside=my DD 72 C1500 Sierra Grande 350 TH350 longbed fleetside=wife's fair weather truck Can you tell we are fans of longbed fleetsides & 67s Chris |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Vinton, Va.
Posts: 479
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Keeping the 3 spd on column. Even the big rig i drive is an automatic ! I hear "what's that lever on the steering column used for ? " all the time. Different era, different eqipment. So yes i like mine.
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"You are not forgotten" USMC 75-79 (Aviation Ordnance Tech- F-4 Phantom) 1959 H-D Panhead. Owned since 1978. Currently with son in Lawton, OK. 1968 Chevy Custom SWB pick up. Fleetside. Lowered 4/6. Totally refurbished. 1966 Pontiac GTO. 4 speed. Saved original 389. Now has slightly built 455 engine. 355 rear gears. Very fun to drive ! Last edited by panhead59; 12-03-2019 at 10:41 AM. |
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#21 |
Senior Member
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Something that might help you a bit is learning to shift without the clutch. I almost never engage the clutch on an up-shift, except coming out of first gear. On the freeway, when you're slowing, you can just pop the stick in neutral and brake until the next up-shift is needed. Saves a lot of legwork.
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#22 |
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Location: TX
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
I drive mine in Dallas traffic and I love it when I can find an 18 wheeler to slot in behind. They don't speed up and slow down nearly as much. I may not win any speed contest getting there, but I won't end up in the back of someone that slowed down quickly.
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,782
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Quote:
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#24 |
Senior Member
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 1,906
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
In LA traffic with no load, it's way easier. Thanks for the tip though. Second rule, learn to shift without the clutch!
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tucson AZ by way of WI & CA
Posts: 509
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Re: Do people like the old truck manual transmissions?
Never said if you have a C10 or C20, which depending on the platform can make a big difference. Over the summer I ditched the SM465, clutch pedal, etc (anyone needs) in my C20 for a TH350. Don't really do much C20'n type of stuff, so automatic work greats for occasional burnouts and picking up groceries, but also not a daily driver either. I say, if its a C10, then go auto and putter along in that L.A. traffic. If you doing any towing, ripping out stumps and want that manly left leg, keep the stick. All boils down to cost. So how much you got to spend?
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