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NV4500 or NV5600 Swap

4bynut

1/2 ton status
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Sep 21, 2004
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Location
Morrison, IL
I bought a new project the other day and need some advice. It's a 1987 GMC SWB 4x4. It has a TBI 350 with SM465/np208. I'm planning on driving it as a daily work truck. I'd like to leave it a stick but would like overdrive. What do i need to convert it to the 4500 or maybe the 5600? Thanks in advance. Jason
 
IIRC the 5600 is very long and has an integral bellhousing I think it would be much tougher to adapt the 5600 to your engine and t-case. Plus the length may make for a real short rear driveshaft.
 
I can't relaly help with the install question, but the 4500 has been done a few times on the board, so some searching should bring up a few results. It's not too difficult.

The 5600, I can't recall seeing anyone post up about a conversion to one of these. With an integral bellhousing it will probably be missing one bellhousing to engine bolt(?) which is likely a non-issue, but the clutch will probably be the difficult part...input shaft length and which side the clutch is on, and interference with the front driveshaft.

Overall I suspect for a daily driver the 5600 would be a heck of a lot nicer to drive, I'm willing to bet the gear spread is much improved over the 465/4500 (which are near identical save OD) which would be where a street driver would appreciate it, especially since low is worthless unless you wheel or tow. If the shifter is too far back though, you might have to look into bucket seats. I think even the 4500 sits a bit further back, which may push the t-case shifter further back of course.
 
Ya, but i can't until i get the swap done. I need to be able to drive it. So if you know of any place i might get the 4500 LMK. Is there any big junk yards up by you that might. I'd like to find a complete setup out of a early 90's truck so i'd have everthing. Thanks, Jason
 
I've heard of lots of people staying away from the NV5600 because they had a short production span, and thus parts may be limited now or in the future.
 
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