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6 speed manual swap

Redwookie

Redwookie

1/2 ton status
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Apr 5, 2007
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Charleston, SC by way of the PHX
Hey guys quick question. The 700r4 in my '89 is about done now and I really wanted to do something different and put in a 6 speed manual like maybe a T-56. Or do I need to do a ZF-6 for strength? Will a ZF-6 fit? Does anybody know how involved a swap that is? Is there a 6 speed that will slide right in? What all is involved in that swap am I gonna need like a new transfer case and the works or what? Thanks.
 
I am not up to date with the 6 speed manuals, but a T56 is designed for a 3000# car, and Im sure would be incredibly impractical if not impossible to adapt into a K5, and retain 4 wheel drive.

I would search the NV4500 swap threads here, definitly the best bet I would say.
 
Sorry I added the big ol ZF-6 which is used in the new HD pick ups to the mix! That should be plenty tough! Just will it fit!? I saw a guy hook it to his avalanch w/the 5.3 on another site but of course not the same truck...
 
The NV4500 has a low 1st gear as well. Especially depending upon the year. It would be a simpler swap.

Martin
 
I'd say it could work if the wheelbase were longer, with a divorced t-case. The t56 should be plenty strong enough, it's much stronger than the 700r4 after all.

Now, have you priced a t56? They are a bit spendy. IMHO, not worth it for a truck when there are stronger options out there. A Camaro is a different story, I've done that one myself.
 
MTMike said:
You probably don't want a T56 - it's a car tranny with a very tall 1st gear.

What about an NV5600?
Click to expand...

Ok I'm not familiar with the NV5600. But I am not AS concerned with the cost as I am with the ease of install and well I think a six speed would be just spiffy, but I suppose a 5 speed would be a step up too. My main thing is since the 700 blew, I wanna try to improve the sturdiness and the MILEAGE a bit since I'll be swapping in a 6.2 also when the 350 dies. so is the thought still the the NV?
 
no question, get a gm NV4500 you will thank yourself on install day. forget T56 (not suitable gear ratios for a 4wd truck) forget NV5600 (twice the weight and size of a nv4500, and fixed bellhousing is gonna be a nightmare to adapt to a GM block) were prone to OD failures that take out the mainshaft, and parts are UBER expensive for them if you can even find them. they are a bitch to work on as an endloader case. that weights 500lbs.
 
DEMON44 said:
no question, get a gm NV4500 you will thank yourself on install day. forget T56 (not suitable gear ratios for a 4wd truck) forget NV5600 (twice the weight and size of a nv4500, and fixed bellhousing is gonna be a nightmare to adapt to a GM block) were prone to OD failures that take out the mainshaft, and parts are UBER expensive for them if you can even find them. they are a bitch to work on as an endloader case. that weights 500lbs.
Click to expand...

Sounds fair from what I've gathered. So now the real big question, will the NV4500 save me any gas mileage over the 700r4? Because if the mileage is the exact same than I might as well just stick with the auto. So any ideas anybody?
 
as a general rule a stick gets better mileage than an auto in an identical unit. just because the lockup isn't locked up all the time. and if theres no lock up, its a no brainer the stick wins no question.



you might just get a really well built 700r4 and bang it in, and be money ahead on an NV4500 swap. they are not cheap to buy used even. but if you have to have a stick, the NV4500 is your man.
 
I would go NV4500. I got better mileage with an SM465 over the TH700R4 in my 1988 V10 Suburban. That isn't why I swapped though, I just highly prefer the manual transmission.

Martin
 
How about a used Doug Nash 5 speed??..I see those selling at swap meets sometimes for 500-1000 bucks..:D
 
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