Manual transmission

[Linville33]

Currently I have a 700r4 in my 87 v10 custom deluxe. My first car was a manual and I want to swap my truck over to one. I would like a 5 speed with granny low or a 4 speed with a low. I'm new to these trucks as this is my first and don't know much about the transmissions. Its a dd and off road rig occasionally so I use my 4x4 quite frequently. So what would be the best transmission to get and what year and model do I need to look for?

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[bake74]

     Unless you get a donor truck that is a manual trans, you can switch to a NV4500 or TREMAC 5 speed, they are the most popular. 
      I do believe your 87 is a hydraulic clutch so it has to around an 87 or so, not sure how far back into the earlier 80 had hydraulic  clutches.
      Someone will chime in and tell you what years of square bodies are a simple switch over, the other transmissions will require more work.

[Linville33]

Its currently an auto. I don't know what is better a hydro or mechanical. My car has a cable for the clutch and that seems fine but its only a 91 CRX so its a little car not much power. What would be better or is it driver preference?

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[zieg85]

I've had both and I prefer hydro.  Hydraulic clutches are 1985 and newer although I have seen early 1985's with the manual linkage.  Yours being a 1987 should have the dimples in the firewall for easy placement of the clutch cylinder.  It is a lot of work especially with the engine in and front end on.  I am considering converting my 1985 but after taking everything needed out of a 1987 I am re-thinking that move...