automatic to manual transmission

[johnleewilson]

ive got an 85 with a 700r4 what all goes into swapping from auto to manual? whats a good manual that is available for our trucks?

[1FaastC10]

SM465 is the best way to go. if you're interested, i have a setup ready to bolt in to a factory auto truck. the proper floor hump, the linkages and the crossmembers are all included.

[PHOENIX]

Why do you want the manual trans?
For strength or for street performance/fun?

The sm465 (4-speed) is a strong tranny and takes a beating, often used in 4wd's.
The first gear is low. The only time you will use the first gear is pulling a trailer, heavy load, or 4x4'ing.
If you are going for street performance you will want a transmission with closer gearing and an overdrive.
Higher speed cruising will suffer a good amount going from the 700r4 to the sm465.

If you are set on going to manual for street performance get a 5-speed or 6-speed with an overdrive.
Another trans to consider if you are not putting out too much power is a Richmond T-10 ($1400, brand new).
It is a 4-speed manual, but the first gear isnt as low as the sm465.
The T-10 makes a good street trans, but doesnt have an overdrive.

I have a sm465 and want this t-56 to replace it:
http://www.standardtransmission.com/BW_T-56.html
Check out the gearing in this t-56, it would be awesome for street/highway.
1386-000-011MS - $2575.00
Aftermarket GM w/ shifter modified for 4sp replacement application.
This modification relocated the shifter to the original 4-speed location.

What ever you go with make sure your clutch matches your trans.
Clutch discs will either be 10 or 26 spline.
The sm465 is 10-spline. The t-56 and t-10 are 26-spline.

The t-10 is available with different first gears.
Consider what rear gears you plan to use when choosing the first gear in the trans.
Also the Tremec T-56 link above has two overdrives.
The Richmond 6-speed has one overdrive.
Consider this when choosing which you will prefer with your rear gearing.