swap sm465 for nv4500?

[EricS76]

I was wondering what would be involved in swapping a NV4500 into a sm465 truck? Obviously there would be driveshaft shortening and some crossmember work. Could I re-use the 465 bellhousing? How about using the same clutch? Any info would be appreciated.

[edman87]

THe only issues should be shaft length, crossmember. The bellhousing and clutch should swap over. The only problem would be speedo function. All sm465 were mech speedo, all nv4500 that I know of have no provision for it. I am assuming this is 2wd, if not, the real issue woul be t-case adapter and than the speedo would not be an issue at all.

[EricS76]

Yeah it's 2wd. So i could still use all the mech. clutch stuff from the 465? If the spedo is the biggest problem, I guess I could use the tach to gauge the speed. Also I've seen 4500's from chevy's and dodge's. I believe they are different. Is either one better?

[7387chevys]

Originally Posted by EricS76

Yeah it's 2wd. So i could still use all the mech. clutch stuff from the 465? If the spedo is the biggest problem, I guess I could use the tach to gauge the speed. Also I've seen 4500's from chevy's and dodge's. I believe they are different. Is either one better?

Bell housing and possibly input shaft differences take pics if you do the swap......also autometer makes electronicly actuated speedometers.....have been kicking the idea around myself
Shane

[Russell]

You can use either a Dodge or Chevy 2wd tranny. Both have the same internals, unless it is a early Chevy (92-94 I think) which had a granny first gear like the 465s have, the newer ones you start off in 1st.

Either way, you will need a Chevy bellhousing, which is hydraulically actuated. If you run a Dodge transmission, you'll need a clutch with the correct diameter / thickness for the Chevy pressure plate / flywheel, and the correct spline count for the transmission's input shaft. If you've got a Chevy transmission, it will be a bolt up type deal.

Clutch is easy to deal with, find an 85+ truck with a hydro clutch setup, and swap it all over to your truck. You will need to drill 3 holes, two for bolts, one for the master cylinder to sit in. You will need to make a custom hose to run from the master cylinder over to the transmission. Some of them have an internal slave cylinder, others have external, either way the connections are on the pass side of the engine. Once you've got the hydraulics run, you'll just need to bleed everything, then the clutch is done. The hydro clutches are way easier on the leg too, much softer pedal, lol

VSS concerns are easily fixed by using a DRAC to create a 4000 pulse per mile signal, then swapping in an 88+ burb, blazer, or crewcab bezel with an electronic speedometer, along with whatever wiring changes are required for it.

Finally, need to get a new driveshaft made to fit.

Other than that, I think it should be pretty easy to do, and would big time improve mileage / driveablity!

[EricS76]

Thanks guys. sounds like more work than I have time for right now. I wish I could find a used overdrive unit like the advanced adapters one. $1500 for a new one is insane.

[edman87]

The best way would be a 96 up chevy with hydraulic throwout bearing, and it is very easy to put a 85-87 clutch master in your truck. The first 2 years of nv4500 had 6.38-I think- 1st gear and newer werea little higher, but not much. You still have to start in 2nd gear unless a big load is behind you. My 98k2500 has the nv4500 and 1st gear will always put you in the rev-limiter even with a load.
I would say the easiest thing for you is to change rear gears , as I assume that is why you waant overdrive. You already have a 465, so you will still get the power to take off hard, but shorter diff gears would keep your cruising rpm lower for easier engine lofe and better mileage.

[odee]

you will need the nv4500 bellhousing unless you get a plate style adapter for the long dodge style input shaft. The clutch will work from the 4speed. I used the hydro pedals from a 85 truck in my 80 model when we done this swap. I used the 88 model slave and master and hose setup. The mount for the tranny I moved the crossmember back and drill two new holes. Had a new front shaft built to the carrier bearing. The speedo I swapped in a 91 sub cluster with the electric speedo and drac. I have had it in behind my old gaser 350 and the new 6.5 turbo diesel. Very good deal for me wish I had done the swap years ago.

[cobinder]

Will the nv style bellhousing bolt up to an older 350 block? I'm thinking about ditching my th350 in my 80 3/4 ton 4x4


thanks

[Russell]

Yep, bellhousing bolts up to any chevy engine with a 90 degree bellhousing bolt pattern. (basically anything 4.3 or larger)

Also keep in mind an NV4500 will set you back a good 1200 - 1500 by itself