84 Chevy auto to manual swap?

[MMiller]

I have a 1984 Chevy halfton 4x4.  The 700R4 is toasted and my son and I want to put a 4 spd/205 in it.  We have a SM465/205 combo, bell housing too.  I have done a little research and   shows that an 84 had manual linkage for the clutch, whereas the 85-86 has a hydraulic clutch.  I would rather use a hydraulic clutch assembly.  Is this a straightforward install to the 84 cab?  I have no parts truck available at this time.  I know that there will be some floorboard surgury for shifters, likely driveshaft mods, anything else I need to plan on?

FWIW a few years ago I swapped out the stock axles for a Dana 60 front and 14 bolt rear, and the factor 305 is long since gone for a decent 350. 

Michael

[zieg85]

Michael, welcome to the site.  The hydraulic set up is the way to go.  It is really best to have a donor truck if at all possible.  There are several threads on this swap, just use the search function.  If your SM465/205 is from a manual linkage you are going to need a hydraulic bell housing as well.   You will need the center hump out of the donor cab to clear the transmission.

[bake74]

     Also welcome to the site, working with your son is always a blessing.  As zieg said, a donor truck would make it soo much easier, but not impossible to do with out one.
     You need to be aware also of the manual clutch rod assy under the cab, yours will not have the holes in frame or bracket to mount it, so looking at anouther truck, even in a junk yard will yeild the measurements you need.  Good luck and keep us appraised on the progress, pics are always welcomed.

[1980c10]

The hydraulic clutch swap is very straight foward. You will need to remove the steeering column to swap pedal assemblies. A junk yard donor will be all that you need. I have photos of this set up as I intalled the hydraulic set up in my '80.
here's the project thread http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,12330.0.html
somewhere in the middle of that is the photos etc.

[Engineer]

Every pre-85 4x4 that I have worked on has had the holes in the frame for the manual linkage.

On the hydraulic set up the firewall will have to be modified slightly where the master cylinder bolts to the 2 rods that connect the pedal mount to the master cylinder. Good luck finding the hydraulic pedal set up. I have a set stored away, and they were a lucky find. May never use them, but I'm not getting rid of them.

[1980c10]

What needs to be modified on the firewall?

[thirsty]

What needs to be modified on the firewall?

Just the clutch master cylinder holes.

[MMiller]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I try search functions, but never seem to find the info I want.  I think I just stink a search functions.  I asked a buddy that has an 85 that he took off the street to truck pull it.  He's going to look and see if he still has the pedals and such.  If I come up empty there, then I'll do some more searching.

A 4spd 4x4 hump is different then an auto 4x4 hump, or is it just the holes for the shifters are different?  I've been a Dodge guy my whole life and have done things like this before, just not on a Chevy.  We're not getting converted, this particular truck has sentimintal value so it is staying, even though it wears a bow-tie.

Michael

[zieg85]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I try search functions, but never seem to find the info I want.  I think I just stink a search functions.  I asked a buddy that has an 85 that he took off the street to truck pull it.  He's going to look and see if he still has the pedals and such.  If I come up empty there, then I'll do some more searching.

A 4spd 4x4 hump is different then an auto 4x4 hump, or is it just the holes for the shifters are different?  I've been a Dodge guy my whole life and have done things like this before, just not on a Chevy.  We're not getting converted, this particular truck has sentimintal value so it is staying, even though it wears a bow-tie.

Michael

Look in the technical pages for a thread about "humps" it will show you different styles

[zieg85]

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,11838.0.html is the thread.

After looking at the pictures you may be fine with what you have.  You may even have the outline of the hole needed for the SM465 stick

[79brent]

im also thinking about swapping a manual trans in my 79 c10 350/350. any1 know what kinda price this would add up to be

[MMiller]

I now have a bell for a hydraulic clutch and the hydraulics.  Now just have to locate the pedals, get a clutch, and t-case shifter. 

 

[1980c10]

If you don't already; you'll also need a flywheel and a pilot bearing. The pilot bearing comes with a clutch kit.

Consider new slave and clutch cylinders as the seals would have a pretty good chance of being bad if they have been sitting. I think they are fairly inexpensive.

79brent- it'll cost whatever the parts cost from a salvage yard or however you find them + new clutch kit and flywheel turn.