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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: y2k_harley on April 26, 2011, 11:04:09 pm

Title: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: y2k_harley on April 26, 2011, 11:04:09 pm

I have an 82 c10 with the 250/3 speed combo.  I would like to switch over to a 5 speed.  I was wondering if any were a bolt-in operation.  I don't know if the mounting flange were that same bolt pattern, input shaft length, over all length, mount position were the same.  I would like to make it as smooth for my boy to drive when he comes of age.  The old column shift is a pain, and the gear ratio spacing leaves a lot to be desired.  Horsepower isn't going to be an issue since the straight 6 will stay.

Title: Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: Irish_Alley on April 27, 2011, 01:47:29 am

What i would suggest is go to a junk yard and buy a trans and driveshaft out of a truck like yours don’t matter what engine but also buy the driveshaft. but going from a 3 to 5 it should be a longer transmission so if you had to you can shorten your shaft. Much easier than getting one made or lengthen one

Title: Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: slammed79 on April 27, 2011, 04:09:55 am

I've been shopping for T5's for my 74 for a while now, the best thing I've found is to swap your pedal set with an 85-87(91) truck and go about it from therer. As Irish said the trans is a bit longer and will require shortening your driveshaft and you'll need to route hydraulic lines, but IDK if an NV4500 will work with a mechanical clutch, I"m sure someone will chime in with the mystical answer

Title: Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: 1980c10 on April 27, 2011, 05:40:42 am

I installed an nv3500 in my truck.
some of that info and pics are here if you page through.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.0 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.0)
In a nutshell
driveshaft will need to be shortened.
stock speedometer won't work with a vss signal
clutch pedal assembly like slammed says
the back of your 250 is the same as a small block
you'll use your current flywheel and the clutch that matches the trans
overall this swap was easier than I had anticipated.

Title: Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: Blazin on April 27, 2011, 05:55:51 am

I always thought the three on the tree was about the smoothest stick in the world to drive myself!

Title: Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
Post by: y2k_harley on April 27, 2011, 08:17:11 am

Quote from: Blazin on April 27, 2011, 05:55:51 am

I always thought the three on the tree was about the smoothest stick in the world to drive myself!

The linkage on mine must be tweeked.  I have a time getting it between the gears.  Maybe just needs lubed up??