73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: 82oldskid on September 04, 2009, 05:46:17 am

Title: 5-speed manual in my 86 K20
Post by: 82oldskid on September 04, 2009, 05:46:17 am
hello all, noobie here, but not to chevy's, ain't nothing like the power of a chevy!  8)  anyway, so, i got an 86 chevy k20 silverado, currently equipped with a 4-bolt 350, a th400 auto trans, and 4:10 gears in the differentials.  i've been debating on changing the tranny anyway to one with overdrive, seeing as i don't haul that much, and i do a bit of highway driving, and dont like my newly rebuilt motor screaming as i cruise down the road, barely keeping with traffic.  recently, i got a line on an early 90's chevy truck thats a 4wd and a 5 speed, and seeing as i'm one of those dummys who prefers a manual over an auto, i've been considering doing the swap, but, i need to know whats all involved in this job.  so, anyone willing to put their 2 cents in, i'd love to hear from you.  remember, i'm a newbie here, so don't hate me if i ask dumb questions!  thanks in advance to all who help!
Title: Re: 5-speed manual in my 86 K20
Post by: joedapper on September 04, 2009, 01:44:07 pm
I have like the exact opposite problem..upon further inspection of my vehicle it turns out that some one ripped out the stick for an auto and just ran a vacuum line..not fair.

AS far as swapping a 5spd to an auto truck...it will be a nightmare.  You'll have to install the clutch pedal and slave cylinder for starters.  Are you going to be taking the whole drive line from the 90s model? trans/t-case and drive shafts?  Does the 90s t-case go off to the same side as the 86? I'm guessing the 86 is a solid front axle and the 90s is an independent front end? Drive shafts might be different lengths and such.  Just some things to think about before diving into the project.
Title: Re: 5-speed manual in my 86 K20
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2009, 06:08:20 pm
the 5 speeds out of the 1500 trucks in my opinion are not up to par unless it is just going to be a driver.
SM465's were factory, If I were to put a overdrive manual ( I prefer manuals myself) I would swap in a NV4500.  They make a kit for them, NOT cheap.
Title: Re: 5-speed manual in my 86 K20
Post by: countryboy90 on September 10, 2009, 08:05:14 am
im going to be doing the same in my 85 K10.  you will need a different t-case as the 90' has a drivers side drop and you will need a pass. side drop.  the t-case from your th400 should bolt up to the back of the 5 speed.  you will need the driveshafts from a truck equipeted with a 700R4 as the th400 is different length.  the 700R4 and the 5 speed are the same length.  as for pedals try and find a donor truck or go to a junkyard and get the setup.  have fun with the swap.