Whats a 71 5 speed tranny worth

[Gyva]

Just got 71 school bus with a 5 speed manual tranny in it. It's bolted up to a Big block right now so I assume you can drop it into a truck? I just got it so I don't know yet.... but I've never seen one, so I was wondering if they had any value or benifits out there in the 4X4 world..... thanks guys


Mike

[Russell]

I've never heard of one either... Does it have overdrive?

[Gyva]

let me get a picture BRB....

[Gyva]

Well wasn't prepared to crawl through goat heads so I go ta picture of the stick knob.. all the gears are there...

Mike

[BobS]

I don't know much about the other transmissions that it could be (Spicer and Clark) but the New Process transmissions had that shift pattern for the non-overdrive models of the NP-540/541. I've got one in my 5000 and it's the same shifting pattern. Overdrive transmissions would have 5 at the top and 4 on the bottom of that throw. The bellhousings on bigger trucks are different on V-6s, they may also be different on the BBCs. That can mean that the input gear/shaft might be bigger also, there are several different sizes listed in the parts manual.

Bob

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

I have no idea what it would be.
-Later

[special-K]

The Clarks(I`m assuming)were designed for Medium Duty frames/drivetrains.I doubt it would bolt in a Light Duty frame directly.In the back of 4Wheel&Offroad a company advertises that deals in these.They must have conversions/adaptors worked out.

[BobS]

The nice thing about a New Process 5-speed is that it's not much bigger than an SM-465. You'd have to use a divorced transfer case in a 4X4 as it was never used in 4X4s, at least not light duty 4X4s!

Bob

[Gyva]

is the gearing in this thing lower than normal, thus making a ring and pinion change out not nessary if you were running big tires....

[BobS]

Gearing depends on what version it is. There are others also but this will give you an idea of what they generally are:

NP-540GL 7.41:1//4.05:1//2.40:1//1.48:1//1.00:1 (Wide ratio)
NP-540GD 6.05:1//3.31:1//1.84:1//1.17:1//1.00:1 (Close ratio)
NP-540GO 6.05:1//3.31:1//1.84:1//1.00:1//0.82:1 (Overdrive version)

For comparison:

SM-465 6.54:1//3.57:1//1.70:1//1.00:1
SM-420 7.06:1//3.58:1//1.71:1//1.00:1

Bob

[tommy knotts]

medium duty trans have two sizes of input shafts.one has the tradtional pick up input and will mate to pick-up bell.the other has a 14 inch clutch with a large bell.these have a thin adapter plate between block and bell,prety much big truck only.

[Old Yeller 1970]

Originally Posted by BobS

NP-540GO 6.05:1//3.31:1//1.84:1//1.00:1//0.82:1 (Overdrive version)
For comparison:
SM-465 6.54:1//3.57:1//1.70:1//1.00:1
Bob

First, according to my owners manual I have a CH-465 (6.54:1//3.58//1.70:1//1:1) is there any real difference between it and the SM-465 that you know of?
Second, is the NP-540GO a bolt in replacement and where in the world would you find one?

[1FaastC10]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller 1970

First, according to my owners manual I have a CH-465 (6.54:1//3.58//1.70:1//1:1) is there any real difference between it and the

no, because the "CH-465" is actually an SM-465.

[BobS]

no, because the "CH-465" is actually an SM-465.

Jeremy's right, for some reason GM saw fit to change the designation.

The 540GO is pretty rare. Even harder to find is one in serviceable condition. From what I've read, they were used mostly behind diesels and the torque kills the input gears. If you were to find one from a GM truck with the right input gear, it would bolt up.

Bob

[Old Yeller 1970]

Do you think the 540GO would be found in the regular chevy truck with the 6.2L or in the larger 60-70 series diesel trucks?

[special-K]

In the larger Med.Duties.The 6.2s all ran the heavier LT trannies(SM465,TH400,4L80E,not sure if the`88+ 6.2s ran NV4500s,probably)

[BobS]

I agree, you'll most likely find them in 40 and 50 series trucks with single axles. 50s with tandem axles and larger would be more likely to have the NP-541/542 if it's a NP gear box.

Bob

[BLAZERMAN]

I know where a NP-540GO model is, I'm still trying to talk the guy out of it. There was a 70 Chevy 4x4 on Ebay awhile back that had the GL model and used a divorced transfer case, I have pics of the setup somewhere.
Here's a link to a great site about the older Chevy and GMC trucks, lots of pics and info. http://www.6066gmcguy.org/SM420.htm