On the hunt for a 4 speed - need info

[Gearhead1]

I almost never see 4 or 5 speeds in these trucks, especially in the few that are left in my local wrecking yards. I want to convert mine to run a saginaw 4 speed. Can anyone recomment a source of clutch/brake pedals (did these trucks use the same assy's as say malibu's etc?) I also recall hearing that I would have to run a cable clutch as opposed to hydraulic - is that an issue? I've never done a conversion.

I've got an R10, 2WD with a 5.7 in it - nothing special

[gildardo01]

down south of the border, back in the day they sold these trucks with 4 speeds it was a t176 tranny like the one they use in jeeps... i actually have one in my truck... their great transmissions really easy to build and really reliable... hereīs my thread check it out.... http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,23881.msg200941.html#msg200941
and it was a simple swap

[Gearhead1]

Thanks for the link - Do you know if they made these transmissions for 2WD applications? I've never heard of a T176

[gildardo01]

yeah they came in 2 wheel drive, actually i donīt know if they offered it in 4 wheel drive... my truck is a 75 chevy 2wd stepside.... and here is more info on them... http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t176.htm 

[Gearhead1]

Looking into the links, it appears that this is more a of a work truck transmission. (?)
I'd like 4 speed thats meant for a little more go. I know the saginaw isnt ideal, but would likely be replaced with a T10 down the road.

Has anyone put a saginaw, muncie or T10 in thier truck? I'm wondering how the shifter would work out with a bench seat?? I dont want buckets

[Captkaos]

I have never know of a T176 in a pickup from 73-87(91), it was either a SM465 or SM420.

With that said, I had a M22 Muncie in mine forever before switching to a Doug Nash 4+1.  There is a slight amount of interference  if you have to have the seat forward.

[1980c10]

You should without way too much trouble or money be able to find the pedal assembly. pre '85 is cable, 85+ will be hydro. I actually just gave away a complete set up to convert to the sm465. I converted mine to a hydro set up with the nv3500 and love it. It was a fairly simple process.

[Gearhead1]

You should without way too much trouble or money be able to find the pedal assembly. pre '85 is cable, 85+ will be hydro. I actually just gave away a complete set up to convert to the sm465. I converted mine to a hydro set up with the nv3500 and love it. It was a fairly simple process.

1980c10, I'd rather have a 5 speed - how much power can you run through it without breaking it? I've heard these are difficult to rebuild due to specialized tools.

[Gearhead1]

I have never know of a T176 in a pickup from 73-87(91), it was either a SM465 or SM420.

With that said, I had a M22 Muncie in mine forever before switching to a Doug Nash 4+1.  There is a slight amount of interference  if you have to have the seat forward.

Thanks - what shifter were you using, or does that make a difference?

[gildardo01]

I have never know of a T176 in a pickup from 73-87(91), it was either a SM465 or SM420.

With that said, I had a M22 Muncie in mine forever before switching to a Doug Nash 4+1.  There is a slight amount of interference  if you have to have the seat forward.

iīm telling ya there are lots of trucks with these transmissions in mexico... at first i didnīt know it, i tried to get some info on them and nothing came up... later on i found out they were only available in mexico... i also have a 1991 ford f150 with a 351w with a 4 speed it came like that straight from the factory... the one in the ford and the one in the chevy look alike but the one in the ford is iron instead of aluminum...
the ford pick up is made in mexico

[zieg85]

Even more rare and most people dismiss it however there was a 4 speed overdrive manual transmission with the RPO MY6.  It came factory and was very similar in size to the muncie.  It came in both 4 wheel drive and 2 wheel drive but only in 1/2 tons.

[1980c10]

You should without way too much trouble or money be able to find the pedal assembly. pre '85 is cable, 85+ will be hydro. I actually just gave away a complete set up to convert to the sm465. I converted mine to a hydro set up with the nv3500 and love it. It was a fairly simple process.

1980c10, I'd rather have a 5 speed - how much power can you run through it without breaking it? I've heard these are difficult to rebuild due to specialized tools.

I haven't broke mine yet and if I do; I'll get it rebuilt in a transmission shop. My engine dynos at 393hp and 432tq.
I imagine if you were to run slicks or and agressive mud tire you may run into problems. I run a fairly wide street tire and get great traction. I'm not afraid to burn some tires here and there and jar this drivetrain fairly hard when the need arises.
The way I see it the transmission is somewhat easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Like I said, if i break it; I'll get it rebuilt and I if I break it again; I'll consider other other options. all in all its been a great transmission with a taller 1st gear and overall great gear spacing.
I originially had the sm465 and they are worlds apart when it comes to performance. The engine makes my truck powerful but this transmission makes it fast.

[Gearhead1]

I haven't broke mine yet and if I do; I'll get it rebuilt in a transmission shop. My engine dynos at 393hp and 432tq.
I imagine if you were to run slicks or and agressive mud tire you may run into problems. I run a fairly wide street tire and get great traction. I'm not afraid to burn some tires here and there and jar this drivetrain fairly hard when the need arises.
The way I see it the transmission is somewhat easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Like I said, if i break it; I'll get it rebuilt and I if I break it again; I'll consider other other options. all in all its been a great transmission with a taller 1st gear and overall great gear spacing.
I originially had the sm465 and they are worlds apart when it comes to performance. The engine makes my truck powerful but this transmission makes it fast.

I like the sounds of this one. When say tall first gear, you are referring to a high ratio (like 3.5 : 1 or steeper?)

[1980c10]

Sorry its been a while since I've been on here. I am refering to a higher ratio for 1st gear and nice spacing throughout. I don't know the ratio from memory but it has more of a car feel than a truck.

[zieg85]

I like the sounds of this one. When say tall first gear, you are referring to a high ratio (like 3.5 : 1 or steeper?)

First is 4.01 for NV3550