Author Topic: 3speed to 5 speed swap  (Read 5156 times)

Offline y2k_harley

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3speed to 5 speed swap
« 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.

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
« Reply #1 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
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Offline slammed79

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Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
« Reply #2 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
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Offline 1980c10

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Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
« Reply #3 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
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.

Offline Blazin

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Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
« Reply #4 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!
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline y2k_harley

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Re: 3speed to 5 speed swap
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2011, 08:17:11 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??