auto to manual swap

[83chev4x4]

how hard is it to swap a 700r4 to a 4 speed granny tranny. How long would it take? It is a 4x4 with a np208 t-case and would like to go with a np205. i had an offer of $300 for tranny and t- case. any info would help thanks

[73K20]

I would say that combo is worth more than 300 bucks.  When swapping the trannys you have to take into account the difference in tranny lengths.  The autos are longer than standards.  This means that you will have to move the cross member forward and the driveshaft lengths will also change too which means new driveshafts.  The rear will get longer and the front shorter.  There is also the clutch linkage to consider.  Hooking this up may be difficult.  I have played with the idea in my head of a auto to standard swap and hydraulic clutch setup came to mind.  Im not sure how well this would work in these trucks, but it maybe easier to set up than linkage.

[85ChevyTow]

I had an 83 K10 sb & Iswapped out the 700r4 for a 4 spd out of an 86K10. The driveshaft length was the same on my truck.The output shaft on the 4spd is bigger than the auto,so I had to change the input shaft on my t-case.(NP208 case) I also used the "double hump" crossmember that fit the 4spd.I had to drill new holes in the frame for the c-member.I used the machanical linkage setup out of an 84 c10 pu.The hardest part of the swap was changing the pedal assy.from the auto to the manual.I used a torch & cut a small hole in the floor in the same location as the 84 for the rod to pass through,also cut the hole in the floorpan for the shifter to pass through.Also there are 2 holes in the frame for your clutch crosshaft to bolt to.On the 84 the crosshaft was riveted to the frame,so I torched the 2 rivets & bolted it in my 83.Whew! thats enough for now.

[Bill87]

The swap is "easy" but it is a fair amount of work.  I changed my 87 from a 700r4 to a 4speed overdrive.  I found that the easiest way is to find a parts truck and strip it.  I used a 86 with a hydraulic clutch.  I took everything from the bell housing back, including the rearend.  so it was all bolt up.  The biggest pain in the #%#&(#@ for my project was changing the springs as the bolts were all frozen in the spring eye sleeves.  The rest was not to bad.  Just take your time and if you must drill or cut, measure twice.  

[4heelinbooty]

bill is right it is fairly simple just a little time consuming hanging the pedals is the hardest part