94 or so 5 speed in a 1986 C10

[zieg85]

I have a lead on a 5 speed trans out of a 94 pickup.  Are they any good?  Are they worth the trouble to install?  This would be for my 86 C10, which is already a stick shift.  It has a 2.73 rear end.  Opinions? Comments??  Thanks in advance.

[zieg85]

Anyone on this?

[dumbucket1]

I can only comment. I think the 88 up manual transmissions shift so much nicer and smoother than the 73-87 manual transmissions.

[Captkaos]

The manual on the 73-87 that was a 4 speed was a HD granny setup that was virtually bullet proof.
The manual on the 88-98 trucks that are 5 speeds are the NV3550, they are ok as far as transmissions go, but they are no where near as strong.  For an everyday trans they are perfectly fine though.  Have it checked out before committing.

[VileZambonie]

They are much noisier (gear clatter) and make sure you switch to a hydraulic set-up if you don't already. Also get a greasable fork pivot.

[zieg85]

Anyone have a link to the gear ratios of the NV3550 and NV4550?  I am now getting more info on the trans having only 70K miles on it.  I don't know if it is from a C1500 or 2500.

[VileZambonie]

Do you mean NV3500?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Venture_Gear_3500_NV3500_transmission

[zieg85]

I guess, I am just going off Capt post when he mentioned the 3550 above

[rmauto1]

you might want to think about changing your rear gear ratio. With the overdrive, your 2.73:1 will be too high. you would be much happier with a 3.42, or 3.73. hope this helps a little.

[swcu_21]

I am looking to make a similar change to my 86 GMC truck, with the 2.73 rear. Does anyone know if the trannys are close enough in size to use the same drive shaft?

Are there any better alternatives?

[zieg85]

The only one that I am aware that will use the same drive shaft, assuming you have a 3 speed, would be the MY6 optioned 4 speed overdrive which came in our trucks from the factory.  New process made them for GM and they are the A833.  I am going that route and see how it goes.  I am only looking for a cruising truck.  If I need to do any work I'll use my 85.

[swcu_21]

My tranny looks like this, do you know if it is the same as yours? What Is the name and producer? Please let me know how your swap works.


This tranny is a replacement from the automatic that came in it out of factory, the tranny code in the glove box is MX1. This tranny came out of a 87 Chevy 3/4 ton long bed.





Thanks Jordan

[zieg85]

Jordan,  looks like you have the SM465 with the granny low.  That is a bullet proof trans, I have that in my 85

[swcu_21]

It seems that way, its just so low geared. I can shift comfortably into 3rd at 35-40 and its really turning the engine over by 70.   Do you have an eta on you install?

[zieg85]

Mine is a rainy day project.  Sounds like you have a low gear out back if you are really turning serious RPM's at 70.  When GM put these overdrive trans in they paired them with the 2.73 gear which may or may not work out unless I am doing 70 because over drive is .73 giving the final drive of just under 2.00 which the engine may lug to much.  I will put a vacuum gauge in to monitor that.  Even if overdrive isn't productive in my case the first gear is much better to start off in versus the first gear in the 3 speed just to get the truck moving.  Projects keep piling up and the truck is still last, go figure...