standard transmission

[kewley42]

Hi Guys , I have an 86 chevy C10 siverado with a 305 and 350 auto transmission. I was wondering how hard it would be to swap in a four speed standard and what cars or trucks I could swap one from ? I would appreciate any help provided.
Thanks Bill

[joesgarage71]

I just stripped a doner truck for the four speed parts that I'm changing over my one ton from a TH400 to a SM465.Parts I stripped.
Colunm
Pedals
Clutch,bellhousing,pressure plate and disc.Throwout bearing I trashed, I always use a new when reinstalling.
Driveshaft(two piece w/carrier bearing)in my case
Crossmember
Transmission w/shifter
Floor hump
Clutch linkage(and I forgot the frame bracket for the bellcrank AKA Z-Bar) And the clutch spring.
And just in case I got the wiring harness(cab and engine)Might have to wire in the neutral saftey switch.
It's not easy but I'm more or less doing a frame off resto on this truck(changing the cabs too)
Steve

[kewley42]

I was wondering , could you use the tranny out of a S10, there are a lot of them kicking around with standards and I know guys drop V8s in them all the time ?

[joesgarage71]

I might not last that long,Guys doing the V-8 thing are usually upgrading the transmission and rear end. I guess if you don't beat the snot out of it it might last awhile.
Steve

[roundedline]

I would consider the 5 speed out of the 88-up fullsize 2WD pickups, they are a little stronger.  If you put a stout V8 in front of it, it won't last though.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[chevyman72]

Has anyone put a 5 speed from an 88 full size chevy in an 87 and earlier truck? Will all of the components work? Are the trannies the same lenght? I am looking at it myself. Kiesler TKO 5 speed route is about $4,200 plus shipping, cross member mods, drive shaft mods, and pedel assembly. Lot of work and lot of money.

[Irish_Alley]

are you talking about a 4x4 or 4x2?

[chevyman72]

just a 2wd.

[Irish_Alley]

as far as i know they will swap out granted the cross member will have to be moved, new drive shaft, clutch you might have to figure that one out with by looking at the 88 and seeing what you need, pretty much all the diffrent tranys that i know are all diffrent lengths. a few mods and it will work out but you will need all the clutch pedal and stuff from the 88

[chevyman72]

Whats your take on the 5 speeds ability to hold up. I know it will depend on the abuse I put forth and I do plan on playing. I have 385 engine hp which I wont be drag racing but I know I will be showing out a little. So the clutch pedal configuration from an 88 will mount in my c10? I figured I would have to get the pedal assembly from a 87 or older truck. I can get the local machine shop to modify my drive shaft and I know I can drill some holes and relocate my cross member. Is it possible to beef up these tranneys as far as the gear box? I know I could use some performance clutches and bearings but the rest is uncertian to me. Just in a few of the post here, I noticed many square runners are opposing these tranneys. They are concerned that they wont hold up. I do like the idea of the 88 n up factory looking stick shift with the same feel. I have a buddy that has a stock 94 chevy swb 350 5 speed and I love the way it feels. I would love to have that same look and feel with my HP. I am fixing to re-upolster my bench seat so if modifying my seat is nessissary, I have no problem. Just saying if the stick from these tranneys are too far back I will accomodate.

[Captkaos]

Answer is still the same, if you want it to hold up, get a TKO.
If you have 385hp and you are planning on abusing it, figure about a year of it.  Keep in mind you are starting out with a used trans also.

[grandfisher]

I have a 90 K1500 355 with 330 hp.  The NV3500 5 speed has been holding up for the 5 years I've had it and I pull a lot.  My boat, construction equipment and material.  So far so good.  What you really need is an NV4500.  I just swapped one into my 76 2wd automatic crew cab.  The NV4500 a very strong manual 5 speed used in 88 and newer Chevy and Dodges.  You can get a rebuilt one for about 1000 or a NEW one for 1800. (supposedly a limited supply though)  As mentioned before, you'll need the pedal hanger assembly from a 87 and earlier chevy originally equipped with a hydraulic clutch set up.  You can use a factory NV4500 bellhousing.  I believe pre 96 NV4500 trannys had external passenger side slave cylinders whereas post 96 trannys had internal.  There are aftermarket bellhousings available to implement driver's side external slaves or factory mechanical linkage.  Hydraulic clutches are much easier for conversions.  You'll also have to cut your floor pan to allow for clearance of the shift tower.  A bolt on floor pan would be good to have from a truck that came equipped with an SM465 although the shift tower on the NV4500 is located a couple inches farther back and the holes will not line up exactly.  Not a big deal though.  A trip to the salvage yard will definitely save some time and work.  If you can find a pre 87 Chevy with hydraulic clutch, you'll have almost everything you need for the conversion except the transmission.  NV3500 or NV4500 will require pretty much the exact same parts for the conversion.  Oh yeah, no matter what 5 speed transmission you use, it will be equipped for a digital speedo.  Something to think about. Unless of course, you've got a 4x4, in which case your transfer case has the speedo hookup.

[chevyman72]

Grandfisher,
Thanks for all your time and help. Looks like its salvage time. I am starting my interior now but i will start the transmission plan. the driveshaft n trany mount should be streight forward. machine shop and a drill. Thanks again!

[Flashback]

Grandfisher thanks for the swap info. I am considering swapping a NV4500 in place of the SM465 in my 86 C10.

85 and up have the hydro clutch setup.