6-speed anyone???

[Billet man]

I have a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande that has a 350 with an automatic transmission and I was wondering if anyone has put a 5 or 6 speed manual in a truck like mine? I was also wandering if somebody could tell me if there's anywhere to buy new brake-clutch pedal assemblies cause (like I said) mine is an auto. Any help will be much appreciated!!!!

Hears a few pics of my truck btw!!!!!!!

[502ms]

What are your plans for the truck?
Banging gears, having fun? Hauling? Cruising?
Better mpg?
There is the option of installing a newer trans (with modifications) if you just want more highway-friendly drivability, without having to go to a manual transmission.

It is a consideration for me...but i wanted to ensure we know where you are headed...
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[Billet man]

I'm really just wanting better gas mileage and occasionally messing with my brothers '83 5.0 mustang. Haha I'm really not sure what I want too do, ive thought about putting a newer 6 speed auto in it but I am not sure what all electronics I will need too do if I go that route. Anymore info will really be appreciated. Thanks guys!!!!
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[black_sheep454]

If you go 6 speed manuel get one from a 93-97 f body. The lt1 motors in those cars have the same bell housing pattern as any small block were the newer ls1 cars don't.
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[LockDoc]

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You might get some ideas from this thread...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438224

LockDoc

[dznucks]

I did a T-56 rebuild write up where i installed the mid-shift conversion. Go to the Engine & Drivetrain section and look in the FAQ sticky at the top.

The 6 speed is very nice, good for banging gears but capable of good milage (+20mpg when cruising) with a properly matched motor.

You will need deep pockets before you commit though, as the tranny will be $1000-1500 used. Probly need a rebuild (new seals, bearings, syncros), the mid shift conversion, new x member, shorter drive shaft, possible new rear gears to make 6th usable.

As for the clutch, i am not sure if the auto pedal assembly is similar to the manual trans pedal assembly, ie. you may be able to add the pedal. You will need a hydraulic clutch setup if you go with the 6 speed. I can help with that, as i need to do a write up on how i did mine. I think TR56 or LockDoc posted some pics of their hydraulic clutch, but i dont think it was with a 6 speed.

The 5 speed conversion would be half the price.

[LockDoc]

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Yes, all you need to do is add the clutch pedal to your existing setup. That part is pretty easy to do. The 2 wheel drive Jeep AX15 5 speed is another option. It should be pretty easy to find one in the southern states...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475370

LockDoc

[Ackattack]

6th gear in most T56s is .5, for a heavy brick shaped truck I think 4.10s would be the best choice. I think 3.73s might even be a little to high, but probably doable.

[Stanley0910]

If you check out brother truck parts or keisler engineering, keisler offers an in house designed transmission. It's called their Ralley Sport transmission, it's a 5 speed and they have a 500 and 600 hp version with two different ratio choices. They sell a complete swap kit for an auto to manual conversion. This would run you about $3k, but it would be a solid trans with a warranty. I'm putting a nv3500 in my truck to get me by until I have more money, it bolts in similar to a 700r4, they just don't handle much power. Good luck on your swap.

Shane

[Billet man]

I really appreciate all the help and info! Thanks y'all!!! The last question I have is does anyone know where I can buy a set of clutch brake pedals? Thanks again everyone!!!!
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[Stanley0910]

I'm using a pedal, lines, and cylinder from a 90's Chevy 1500.
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[Billet man]

Thats cool, Was it easy too put in your truck? How well does it work?
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[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by Billet man

I'm really just wanting better gas mileage and occasionally messing with my brothers '83 5.0 mustang. Haha I'm really not sure what I want too do, ive thought about putting a newer 6 speed auto in it but I am not sure what all electronics I will need too do if I go that route. Anymore info will really be appreciated. Thanks guys!!!!
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If you are looking to save money via mileage most anything new is going to cost years of driving to recoup. Figure out where you are currently with tire size and ratio. If you can pull a higher cruise ratio think about a 700R4. Properly built and used with moderation they can work well.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by Stanley0910

If you check out brother truck parts or keisler engineering, keisler offers an in house designed transmission. It's called their Ralley Sport transmission, it's a 5 speed and they have a 500 and 600 hp version with two different ratio choices. They sell a complete swap kit for an auto to manual conversion. This would run you about $3k, but it would be a solid trans with a warranty. I'm putting a nv3500 in my truck to get me by until I have more money, it bolts in similar to a 700r4, they just don't handle much power. Good luck on your swap.

Shane

I normally won't negatively comment on vendors - but be forewarned. I tried my hardest to buy an RS400 from these guys (keisler) and it was like pulling teeth to get them reply to a simple email. Communication was dang near non-existent - and when someone is getting ready to sink about $3500 into your products, you'd think it might be worth answering a few simple questions. Tried twice, but I finally gave up and installed a WC T5 with S10 tailshaft housing. It's pretty darn nice. Not recommended if you are wanting to no-kidding race your brother, but if you just wand something to row, then it's probably the least expensive 5-speed upgrade you can do. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=482069 Yours will be a bit more involved - going from Auto to Manual isn't exactly fun or easy - getting the pedals, z-bars, linkage, bell hsg, etc - nothing to re-use from the automatic setup. I'd count on a good bit more than $3000 before it's all said and done (but yes, if you get an RS trans (just the trans) - it is below $3K, depending on the torque rating.

[Billet man]

I'm not gonna race my brother, I just like bustin his chops cause he drives a Ford not to mention his car has over 400 HP so my truck won't run with it!!!!! it's just fun too give him a hard time. I am really liking the t-5 idea, my dad put a t-5 world class in his '67 mustang and it was awesome so he should be able too help me with swapping from an auto too manual. I really appreciate all the help guys!
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[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Billet man

The last question I have is does anyone know where I can buy a set of clutch brake pedals?

Like I said in my previous post all you need is a clutch pedal and arm. It slides into the existing hole in the pedal bracket. Check the parts board.

LockDoc

[RustyBucket]

The previous owner of my 2wd. Blazer replaced the 350eng./350auto with the TKO 500 kit from Keisler and a mild 454. I didn't deal with Keisler so I don't have any input about 'em... OH, I have called a couple of times with questions about lubricant and a leaking plug and they couldn't have been more helpful. I'm REALLY REALLY enjoying their product. Nice positive up/down shift and it's apparently very strong. I don't full throttle shift it but I do STAND on the throttle every chance I get -- I'm a 16yr. old 60yr. old. Nice clutch feel with the hydraulic throw out bearing. With 3.08's it runs around 80 at 2000rpm in o/d. The stick shift fun factor was a big selling point for me when I bought this thing.

[woodwright]

I think I have an extra pedal setup if you want to pay shipping. You might just check the local yards. You should be able to find one pretty easy. I believe all the 67-72 trucks are the same, maybe even other years. I did this in my 70. I can get you pictures of what you need, just let me know.

[dznucks]

6th gear in most T56s is .5, for a heavy brick shaped truck I think 4.10s would be the best choice. I think 3.73s might even be a little to high, but probably doable.

I agree with this. I am going to put 4.10's in when i can find the time to install the new rear end. I am running 3.42s now with the .5 6th gear T-56. Its a dog off the line and 6th is unusable until 90+ mph. However, cruising at 45-55 in 5th is only 1400 rpm.

There are two different LT T-56's, one has a .5 6th and the other is .7 or .6ish.

If i had it do over again, with less budget, I would go with a strong 5 speed.

[toddtheodd]

When I look up keisler engineering, I find bankruptcy stuff...
Did they go out of business or something?

[67c10rustbuket]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Like I said in my previous post all you need is a clutch pedal and arm. It slides into the existing hole in the pedal bracket. Check the parts board.

LockDoc

There are some on here on the classifieds, search clutch pedal assembly.

I would post a link but that may be in violation since one is mine and your name is Pink..