SM465 2wd tranny

[68Timber]

I only see the SM465 mentioned by the 4x4 crowd. Is there any market for a 2wd SM465? I know it can be converted. I have one I got in a package deal. I'm not sure if I want to hold on to it or flip it on cl. Thanks.

[Ackattack]

its good for four wheelin cause 1st gear is so low (good for crawling) and its a strong unit. However, for a 2wd its not performance orientated. 1st gear is useless on the street, so its essentially a 3 speed at that point, with wide ratios and a big shifting pattern. Plus the shifter location is very far forward....but it is strong.

So I don't think it would be much of a market for it.

Anyways....at some point I'm going to build a rat rod road racer and I was thinking I might use one, just for fun.

[74 shortbed 406]

There is a market for them, usually for the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks that are used as trucks. But I do agree, bad tranny for the racer. Might find someone building an offroader and maybe using divorced t case.

[68Timber]

Thanks guys, that's about the way I see it. I don't have any money in it so I guess it won't hurt for it to sit a little until I see if I can't use it somehow.

[cory d]

i made my shifter about 8" taller, now i dont have to reach so far for second

[tucsonjwt]

SM465 has a core value of about $250. I have one in my 83 C20 and it works OK, but won't be in any races. I think you can get a professional rebuild SM465 for about $650, so it is very economical - and they last a long time even when they start to wear out.

[cory d]

if 1,2,3, were closer, it would be great. having low is kind of neat.

[JPalmer81]

They are very easy to rebuild on your own if you have a shop press, and very cheap, you can change the mainshaft to a 4x4 32 or 10 spline for pretty cheap or just keep it as is and put it in a dually or a tow rig, they are indestructible.

[MalibuSSwagon]

My 86 1/2ton 2WD is factory equipped with an SM465, I do alot of towing and hauling so the trans works very well for me. Low gear really gets the load moving! So my answer is if you aren't too worried about having overdrive its a great trans for a tow rig.

[legendman]

One tough trans for sure, gotta remember no 5th, every time I get in my K20 after driving my 5sp TDi I always go to shift it in 5th lol

[68Timber]

I went to look at it for my CUCV assuming it was a 4x4 tranny. I guess I always think of trail rigs and 205 transfer cases and 1 ton axles and SM465 transmissions at the same time. I bought it anyway because it came with some other stuff I wanted and the price was right. I can't use it in my 79, but it'll end up in something. Even if it's the bed of someone else's pickup.

[Desert1957]

I have one in my 83 , works great haul-in this around..

Desert

[tucsonjwt]

But with a gear vendor behind it you get a couple extra useable gears, like a six speed - just real pricey for that GV unit. I don't use the one I have because I drive city all the time.