6-speed changeover - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jbw0127 · 11-13-2003, 01:55 AM

Does anyone have a step by step on the installation of a 6-speed into a 72? I'm curious at to the location of the shifter and what crossmember to use etc......

I'm new on this post, but get the impression that someone has done this and would like some feedback on the outcome......was it worth it, cost, etc.......

Would love to see some pics!

Longhorn Man · 11-13-2003, 02:06 AM

Crazy longhorn is the man to talk to on that.
Welcome to the board from Central Ohio

gonebad2 · 11-13-2003, 03:17 AM

McCloud makes a really nice hydraulic clutch and hydraulic throughout bearing. Summit Has Them. It's a really easy way to go if you want to avoid linkage problems.

krue · 11-13-2003, 04:14 AM

crazyl is the man to talk to.

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

krue · 11-13-2003, 04:15 AM

BTW we would love to see some pics of your truck.

Huck · 11-13-2003, 01:26 PM

I installed a 5 speed from a 96 Silverado. Had to----convert to hyd clutch, use auto crossmember, modify length of driveshaft, create clutch pedal linkage, move power brake assm forward a bit, convert to high hump and instll a new hole to accomidate 5speed, and figure out how to have a speedo as all the newer stuff use electronic sensed speedo--(Haven't figured out that yet!) so I use the tach for speed estimate.
I reduced the weight of the truck by at least 100lbs, improved the mpg by 4-5mpg, and increased the fun factor 3fold. Total cost about $1000.
I do not believe you will be able to utilize the 6th gear very much unless you have a 373 or 411 rear end. A 308 or 342/354 rear will be way to tall for a 6th double overdrive gear. These truck have significant wind resistance over 60 and even my 5th gear with a decent 350 wants to lug going up steep hills or when towing with my 308 gear. If you are running a big block with real HP over 350HP, you may be abele to benefit from 6th. Good luck and e-mail me if you need more detail/pictures. Huck

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 02:04 PM

I wouldn't know anything about the change over.......... hmmmmm

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 02:54 PM

T56 INSTALL

oh wait I HAVE made the change from a 3 speed on the tree to a after maket T56 6 speed.
Your going to need:
1 a T56 modified so the shifter is in the most forward hole.
2. the adapter plate
3. 26 spline input shaft clutch plate ( 85 corvette is what I used from AutoZone )
4. shorten your drive shaft ( I shortened mine 4 1/2 in )
5. Fabricate a brace to hold the tail shaft of the transmission
6. Knock the floorboard up approx. 1in around critical clearance areas.
7. shifter if it doen't come with one
8 Fabricate a shifter stick to your liking.
Any questions?
Oh yeah I used the entire OEM bell housing, and clutch linkage with zero modifications.

Here are some links
http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/BorgWarner/t56pics.html
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/gwhite75/install1.htm
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...-0610-0199.pdf ( Service manual in PDF format )
Ben

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 03:06 PM

Here are some pic for ya.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 03:09 PM

some more

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 03:10 PM

dfh

*67Fleetsidedream* · 11-13-2003, 03:14 PM

here is the shifter location in the cab

'70 C/10 SS500 · 11-13-2003, 06:43 PM

Where are you in Sac.? I live over by Sunrise Mall. I have a '70 with my newly installed Caddy 500 c.i.d. motor.

jbw0127 · 11-13-2003, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by '70 C/10 SS500
Where are you in Sac.? I live over by Sunrise Mall. I have a '70 with my newly installed Caddy 500 c.i.d. motor.

I'm just down the street in Orangevale!

jbw0127 · 11-13-2003, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 67Fleetsidedream
I wouldn't know anything about the change over.......... hmmmmm

Appreciate the info and pics much!

Looks like you used the factory 3sp bell housing and clutch assembly. I don't have my original 3sp crossmember any more. wouldn't I be able to modify my auto crossmember for the t56 and use the hydraulic clutch setup.......pro's/con's.

On a scale of 1-10.......was it worth the extra time, $$, and effort to do this?

....and also, I want to keep my 60/40 seat. will the shifter interfere?

Thanks again!

crazy longhorn · 11-14-2003, 01:25 AM

the richmond 6spd also fits the stock bell, & is the same lenght within a fraction of an inch as a short tail 400 turbo....also takes the same slip yolk. There were no driveshaft mods to fit the richmond in my truck. The trans was installed on a modified auto crossmember, & uses factory clutch linkage(rod ends on the linkage for smoother operation). The shifter is right at the rear of the trans, & may interfere with a bench seat. the trans can b had in a 1 1/8 X 26, or 11/8 x 10 spline for the clutch. I run a centerforce dual friction clutch, on a Hays billet flywheel. The complete "mess" was not cheap, but sure is fun to drive! The Richmond is a close ratio box , with a low (3.28 to 1 1st gear), & would work very well with a 3.40 - 3.73 rear gear. O/D is .76, & that gives me a 3000 rpm cruise @ 80mph on the open road with 4.10's on a 28" tall tire. Sorry, I dont have any swap pics uploaded at this time. crazyL

jimfulco · 11-14-2003, 03:46 AM

I read somewhere that Richmond or Long (the shifter manufacturer) can supply different shifter handles for different applications.

crazy longhorn · 11-14-2003, 11:47 AM

Yes, there ae different optional handles available. I the paperwork with my Richmond ther was part # & pics of the available handles. My sb sits in I 6 position, & I have Jazz buckets(no clearance issues). I did build my own shifter handle to fit. The long shifter comes with a very short , straight handle......crazyL

dinnut · 01-25-2004, 01:01 AM

hey where has crazylonghorn gone? havent seen him since november

Longhorn Man · 01-25-2004, 01:45 AM

I know, i been wondering that myself.

11-13-2003, 01:55 AM	#1
jbw0127 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 73	6-speed changeover Does anyone have a step by step on the installation of a 6-speed into a 72? I'm curious at to the location of the shifter and what crossmember to use etc...... I'm new on this post, but get the impression that someone has done this and would like some feedback on the outcome......was it worth it, cost, etc....... Would love to see some pics!

11-13-2003, 03:17 AM	#3
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	McCloud makes a really nice hydraulic clutch and hydraulic throughout bearing. Summit Has Them. It's a really easy way to go if you want to avoid linkage problems. __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

11-13-2003, 04:14 AM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	crazyl is the man to talk to. Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-13-2003, 04:15 AM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	BTW we would love to see some pics of your truck. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-13-2003, 02:54 PM	#8
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	T56 INSTALL oh wait I HAVE made the change from a 3 speed on the tree to a after maket T56 6 speed. Your going to need: 1 a T56 modified so the shifter is in the most forward hole. 2. the adapter plate 3. 26 spline input shaft clutch plate ( 85 corvette is what I used from AutoZone ) 4. shorten your drive shaft ( I shortened mine 4 1/2 in ) 5. Fabricate a brace to hold the tail shaft of the transmission 6. Knock the floorboard up approx. 1in around critical clearance areas. 7. shifter if it doen't come with one 8 Fabricate a shifter stick to your liking. Any questions? Oh yeah I used the entire OEM bell housing, and clutch linkage with zero modifications. Here are some links http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/BorgWarner/t56pics.html http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/gwhite75/install1.htm http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...-0610-0199.pdf ( Service manual in PDF format ) Ben Last edited by 67Fleetsidedream; 11-13-2003 at 03:02 PM.

11-13-2003, 02:06 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Crazy longhorn is the man to talk to on that. Welcome to the board from Central Ohio

11-13-2003, 01:26 PM	#6
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	I installed a 5 speed from a 96 Silverado. Had to----convert to hyd clutch, use auto crossmember, modify length of driveshaft, create clutch pedal linkage, move power brake assm forward a bit, convert to high hump and instll a new hole to accomidate 5speed, and figure out how to have a speedo as all the newer stuff use electronic sensed speedo--(Haven't figured out that yet!) so I use the tach for speed estimate. I reduced the weight of the truck by at least 100lbs, improved the mpg by 4-5mpg, and increased the fun factor 3fold. Total cost about $1000. I do not believe you will be able to utilize the 6th gear very much unless you have a 373 or 411 rear end. A 308 or 342/354 rear will be way to tall for a 6th double overdrive gear. These truck have significant wind resistance over 60 and even my 5th gear with a decent 350 wants to lug going up steep hills or when towing with my 308 gear. If you are running a big block with real HP over 350HP, you may be abele to benefit from 6th. Good luck and e-mail me if you need more detail/pictures. Huck

11-13-2003, 02:04 PM	#7
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I wouldn't know anything about the change over.......... hmmmmm

11-13-2003, 03:06 PM	#9
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	Here are some pic for ya. Attached Images

11-13-2003, 03:09 PM	#10
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	some more Attached Images

11-13-2003, 03:10 PM	#11
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	dfh Attached Images

11-13-2003, 03:14 PM	#12
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	here is the shifter location in the cab Attached Images

11-13-2003, 06:43 PM	#13
'70 C/10 SS500 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 130	Where in Sacramento? Where are you in Sac.? I live over by Sunrise Mall. I have a '70 with my newly installed Caddy 500 c.i.d. motor. Last edited by '70 C/10 SS500; 11-13-2003 at 06:46 PM.

11-14-2003, 01:25 AM	#16
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	the richmond 6spd also fits the stock bell, & is the same lenght within a fraction of an inch as a short tail 400 turbo....also takes the same slip yolk. There were no driveshaft mods to fit the richmond in my truck. The trans was installed on a modified auto crossmember, & uses factory clutch linkage(rod ends on the linkage for smoother operation). The shifter is right at the rear of the trans, & may interfere with a bench seat. the trans can b had in a 1 1/8 X 26, or 11/8 x 10 spline for the clutch. I run a centerforce dual friction clutch, on a Hays billet flywheel. The complete "mess" was not cheap, but sure is fun to drive! The Richmond is a close ratio box , with a low (3.28 to 1 1st gear), & would work very well with a 3.40 - 3.73 rear gear. O/D is .76, & that gives me a 3000 rpm cruise @ 80mph on the open road with 4.10's on a 28" tall tire. Sorry, I dont have any swap pics uploaded at this time. crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

11-14-2003, 03:46 AM	#17
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	I read somewhere that Richmond or Long (the shifter manufacturer) can supply different shifter handles for different applications.



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11-14-2003, 11:47 AM	#18
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Yes, there ae different optional handles available. I the paperwork with my Richmond ther was part # & pics of the available handles. My sb sits in I 6 position, & I have Jazz buckets(no clearance issues). I did build my own shifter handle to fit. The long shifter comes with a very short , straight handle......crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-25-2004, 01:01 AM	#19
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	hey where has crazylonghorn gone? havent seen him since november __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-25-2004, 01:45 AM	#20
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I know, i been wondering that myself.

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