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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Gearhead1 on November 08, 2009, 09:21:00 pm

Title: Converting to a standard trans?
Post by: Gearhead1 on November 08, 2009, 09:21:00 pm
I have an '87 2wd SWB with a 95' 5.7 and an older TH350C trans. I've always loved mashing gears and I have the opportunity to buy a 70's or 80's Saginaw 4 speed gearbox for cheap. It has no clutch assy/bellhousing or shifter. Generally speaking, what is involved in converting these truck to run manuals? I want a truck thats more "go" than "pull" so I'm interested in recommended sources (used) of shifters, clutch pedal assy's etc... Wondering what sort of mods are involved...do I need a donor floor hump, specific pedal assy`s, shifters etc...It seems as if standard transmissions were scarce on these unless they were 1 tons or something...
Title: Re: Converting to a standard trans?
Post by: Lt.Del on November 08, 2009, 10:14:25 pm
find a donor... do you have a good salvage yard nearby?  pull parts of one--may be tough finding a manual - equipped old chevy.  Buy an old wrecked one and strip the parts off.
But, you will need the whole nine yards....driveshaft, bellhousing, clutch pressure plate, disc, throwout bearing, linkage, clutch rod, fork, trans crossbar, mount for clutch linkage/rod, pedal assembly, and most likely will have to fabricate the hump.  Lotsawork.    
Title: Re: Converting to a standard trans?
Post by: Captkaos on November 09, 2009, 08:26:43 pm
The pedal assembly and connected parts and linkages, the Z bar mount on the frame, Zbar, bellhousing and fork along with a new clutch assembly.  After a couple months of serious abuse you will need a new transmission to.  Saginaws are weak and won't take the abuse.
Title: Re: Converting to a standard trans?
Post by: Irish_Alley on November 10, 2009, 01:16:55 am
4 speed? is that with the granny gear. i know my 3 peed with granny is good for hauling but for playing in the mud or even driving the gear selection ain't there need more gears and a different final ratio
Title: Re: Converting to a standard trans?
Post by: Gearhead1 on November 10, 2009, 09:09:33 pm
yikes...thanks, maybe the th350 will do for now.