junk yard transmission help

[f-100]

I have a saginaw 3 speed in my 79 serria 2wd 350. I'am going to the junk yard this weekend to look for another tranny. Searched and I believe it is a 10 spline input and 27 spline output. Anyone know another 4 speed tranny with same spline in and out. I assume saginaw 4 speed is but could not confirm, munice 4 speed.http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-manual-transmission-identification.php Chart show munice with same in and but not sure about the groves. Thanks.

[1980c10]

If you have a 3 speed how can you id your trans as a 4 speed? The floor shift with a L123 is considered a 4 speed. it is an sm465 and is stamped on the trans 
A coulumn shift manual trans is id'd as a 3 speed if I am not mistaken.
If you find floor shift manual trans out of one of these trucks it should fit just fine.
The dead give away betwwen the muncie 4sp and the sm465 is the fact that the sm465 is a top loader and the muncie is not.

[f-100]

The original was an automatic, someone else put the manual tyranny in. I looked under the truck and compared from the internet, positive it's a Saginaw 3 speed only. I'm hoping to find a Saginaw 4 speed or maybe a munice 4 speed. One problem I have with munice is the chart (From chart on website I posted) talks about grooves on the shift. Not sure the munice would fit my clutch. Not a big deal if the tyranny was in good shape.

Could not find spline count on Sm465. Never had a tyranny with a granny gear but I don't think I would like it from what I've read. It's not out of the picture if I found a good one with out major mods to be made. If anyone could let me know if the Saginaw 3 speed spline is the same as the Saginaw, munice 4 speed or Sm465 the would help.

I found a site that had most of the Chevy tyranny's made, what vehicle they were in and year. I did not save and can not find it back. If some knows of a site with this info if you could post or let me know that would be great! Thanks

If anyone knows of other options let me know.

[zieg85]

The Muncie 4 speed 27 spline, Saginaw 4 speed are both physically about the same size so your driveshaft should work without modification.  The SM465 has a bolt of yoke and requires a 2 piece drive shaft unless it has a slip yoke built into the 1 piece.  If you go Muncie, try to find a M20 unless your truck has a low gear in back. 

[f-100]

Great thanks, that helps alot. I don't know my gear ratio is but will try to look today and post. Still a little confuse on the sm465 but I will look for pics on the web. I'm going to bring my clutch alignment to see which clutch might fit.

[zieg85]

There were only 2 input shafts that I know of, a course and fine.  You have the course.  The output is a 27, same as a TH350 and 700R4.  To do it as inexpensively as possible, match the length.  You are going to have to get a universal shifter if you get away from what you have unless you rig up a second lever for reverse only...

[f-100]

Cool thanks! dang didn't even think about the shifter, guess I will have to get that also if I fine a tranny. Good info thanks for the help. I'm going to look for an nv4500 for future use if I can fine one.

[zieg85]

The possibilities are endless if you have the cash and ability.  The NV4500 is the ultimate in a standard transmission for a pickup truck in my opinion.  They are rather large and will require a high hump cab floor. 

[f-100]

 I do landscaping in atlanta Ga, the season is ending and cash will get cut back till around march. I really want a four speed manual tranny for now, cheap. Seems like when I have time to do things don't have the money. When I have the money don't have time. If  I should find nv4500 mostly like would not get it in for awhile. Still that would give me a chance to get other parts needed and set up it up right. Looks like a nice tranny.

Headed to the junk yard soon to see what I can find.

[1980c10]

While you are at the junk yard look for the sm465 with a hydraulic clutch set up and take all of the pieces including the bell housing and pedal assembly and driveshaft. This will make it easier to install the sm465 and when you are ready to swap in the nv4500 you'll be able to re-use the pedal assembly and clutch cylinder. You'll need to look for them in an 85-87 set up.
If you can find this; The sm465 for now will be your cheapest option and put you heading in the right direction for when you have the time and money to install the nv4500.
Btw I had to give my sm465 away as no one would buy it from me, I know I'm not the only one on this board that has given them away or gotten them for free.
Another option is the nv3500 used in 1/2 ton chevrolets they are a little cheaper. They are not as heavy duty as the nv4500 but offer a better 1st gear for normal driving and OD and as long as you drive somewhat reasonable and keep street tires on the truck it would be a very nice option. imo. If you go this route do a little research the early versions are not as strong as the later years.

[f-100]

Went to the junkyard today the only tranny I could find was the same 3 speed I already have. I'am going to a few different yards later this week. Thanks for the info on the nv 4500 and nv 3500.  I'm not in a hurry for the nv series install, will have some free time in the next few months to look for tranny and parts. The yards I go have parts cheap but move fast, soon as they hit the ground parts are coming off. Any other thoughts,parts,ect. on  nv install let me know so I can gather up everthing. Thanks!

[bake74]

     If you do eventually do a nv swap, it would be great if you took lots of pics and did a write up.  I was hoping to do one after I do my 74.  ( I am putting a A833 O/D out of a 84 into my 74 k10 right now ).

[f-100]

I will try but this could take as long as a year before it gets done. Maybe done in the next two months. This time of is trick I never know how work/cash flow is going to be between Jan. and April. I will still be doing reseach so anything I find I will post.

Just got an e-mail from a cls that has serval munice non rock crushier 4 speeds. Hope he has an m20 reasonably priced.

[Irish_Alley]

why not look for a truck the same as yours (i.e. long wheel base or standard) at the junkyard then buy the trans, driveshaft and clutch parts and get rid of that car trans lol

[f-100]

Anyone got an info on I believe an sm 420. Gm591953    L314?