5-speed manual in my 86 K20

[82oldskid]

hello all, noobie here, but not to chevy's, ain't nothing like the power of a chevy!    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!

[joedapper]

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.

[Captkaos]

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.

[countryboy90]

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.