86 c10 noob

[buter1ma]

Here's a slightly "outside," yet related aspect to this topic:

1) Be careful which torque converter you use---you probably can't use one from a v-8:

This is something i'm going through right now----i did not take this into consideration when i did my swap.  i think the v-8 converters are too "tight" for the v-6-----as v-6's and 4's generally don't make as much low rpm torque as 8's.   i'm having trouble idling normally---i have to set the neutral idle at about 1300-1400 rpm so i can idle at 700 in gear!    Combo generally otherwise runs ok, but the idling and low rpm operation is not normal.

Shifter hits my leg and also it has over 400k miles so if I am doing a trans I might as well make it the way I want. I have the 2.73 rear end. This truck is bare bones, power nothing, no air, not even a dome light or headliner.



Based on my recent research, there does appear to be two(or more) different converters for different engines, as there are different part numbers indicating different stall speeds.

i will report back as i learn more.

Just something to keep in mind if you keep your 4.3.

2) To buters:

 i want to back up and ask why do you want to switch automatic?
No right or wrong answers, just curious?    Also, you are considering going from 3spd to 3sp auto?

a) what is your diff gear?

3) To Carl:
Which converter did you use for the auto swap?
Would you happen to have any extra TH-400 converters laying around for a 4.3?   

[buter1ma]

Shifter hits my leg and also it has over 400k miles so if I am doing a trans I might as well make it the way I want. I have the 2.73 rear end. This truck is bare bones, power nothing, no air, not even a dome light or headliner.

[zieg85]

Shifter hits my leg and also it has over 400k miles so if I am doing a trans I might as well make it the way I want. I have the 2.73 rear end. This truck is bare bones, power nothing, no air, not even a dome light or headliner.

Mine is the same however it has a little over 71,000 miles.  Mine was PS delete, no radio, nothing extra

[buter1ma]

That is exactly like mine. Are you going to be adding on AC, 350 sbc, auto trans, etc?

[zieg85]

That is exactly like mine. Are you going to be adding on AC, 350 sbc, auto trans, etc?

350 SBC, yes.  Going with a NP440 4 speed OD stick (rare MY6 transmission) and if I like the way the truck turns out vintage AC.  I have high back Suburban buckets with center console.

[buter1ma]

Which trans is the better way to go?

[zieg85]

Which trans is the better way to go?

My trucks if at all possible are manual transmissions.  I understand manual transmissions and feel I can drive them efficiently and yield better MPG's.  If it breaks I have another on a shelf with minimal down time.  I also like the fun factor.  My choice of this particular transmission is because it is an OD, was a factory option, and the previous owner already cut a hole in the floor because the original column (3 on the tree) was broken and parts were not available to fix it.  I really like the uniqueness of 3 on the tree and I eventually found all the parts to put it back on the column but because the hole was already there and I had the transmission, the decision was easy.  My hope is to get 20mpg with this set up.  I have the tow and go cam so low end torque is better than a stock cam.  The only question I have yet to answer is the 2.73 gonna cut it with the 0.73:1 OD effectively giving me 1.99 final ratio with 255/70R15 tires.  I am going to install an engine vacuum gauge to know when I should shift out of OD to get the best economy out of it.  I know I may have to go up to a 3.42 gear which is just a tad higher gear than came in the 70's 12 bolt square body trucks 2.56 that Stewart has in his.

[Smokehouse]

i would love to find one of those 4 speed OD trannies. my burb only has the sm465 i haven't taken him on the interstate yet just been driving back roads if i want to go somewhere.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Which trans is the better way to go?

My trucks if at all possible are manual transmissions.  I understand manual transmissions and feel I can drive them efficiently and yield better MPG's.  If it breaks I have another on a shelf with minimal down time.  I also like the fun factor.  My choice of this particular transmission is because it is an OD, was a factory option, and the previous owner already cut a hole in the floor because the original column (3 on the tree) was broken and parts were not available to fix it.  I really like the uniqueness of 3 on the tree and I eventually found all the parts to put it back on the column but because the hole was already there and I had the transmission, the decision was easy.  My hope is to get 20mpg with this set up.  I have the tow and go cam so low end torque is better than a stock cam.  The only question I have yet to answer is the 2.73 gonna cut it with the 0.73:1 OD effectively giving me 1.99 final ratio with 255/70R15 tires.  I am going to install an engine vacuum gauge to know when I should shift out of OD to get the best economy out of it.  I know I may have to go up to a 3.42 gear which is just a tad higher gear than came in the 70's 12 bolt square body trucks 2.56 that Stewart has in his.

With 235/75-15 tires, i turn 1800 at 55 and 2100 at 65.   Now with this new converter i have (i swapped from 350C to regular 350 trans), if i'm on flat ground with light/cruising throttle, then the rpms are about the same as if i had lockup.   If i start going up a hill or to pass, then the rpms do go up a little---200,300 rpms.  Sometimes more if i really floor it.

If you have tow and go cam, maybe you can go down to 1400....lower, without lugging the engine?

[buter1ma]

I am leaking fluid at the diff pinion seal and the manual trans output shaft seal. I have dropped the two piece driveshaft and have it on the bench. I want to replace the ujoints and the center support bearing. Can someone point me in the right direction on how to get the center support bearing off and the ujoints?

[buter1ma]

Also, how to I know which 3 speed manual trans I have? There are two different seals as options to buy to replace.