Ok Transmission?

[greengiant0311]

Well heres the deal. I have an 80 Scottsdale with the 3speed and granny low gear. Want to make the truck capable offroad and DD if possible. Used to have 12 bolt rear with 4.88 gears. Loved it on the trail not-so-much on the drive to the trail. Should I replace the tranny or look for different gear options. Swtching to 60s f/r with 4.10s. How will this setup be running 38-39.5 tall tires? Thanks

 

[imiceman44]

Well heres the deal. I have an 80 Scottsdale with the 3speed and granny low gear. Want to make the truck capable offroad and DD if possible. Used to have 12 bolt rear with 4.88 gears. Loved it on the trail not-so-much on the drive to the trail. Should I replace the tranny or look for different gear options. Swtching to 60s f/r with 4.10s. How will this setup be running 38-39.5 tall tires? Thanks

If you don't change the tranny, all you will be doing is trading one thing for another, you can either give yourself a tller gear for better on road, or deeper gears for better off road.
The other option being a doubler of some kind.
The best if you don't want to go doubler is to find a NV4500 or even the smaller NV3500, they both will work for a dual purpose truck.
Some will argue that the NV3500 is not strong enough but those same people argue a 1/2 ton axle will not support a 35" tire.
Mine survived 6 years of DD and real rock crawling.
It all come down to your driving style.
And for the record, they did come in 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks from the factory

 

[greengiant0311]

So pretty much ditch the 3 speed then?

 

[greengiant0311]

Or would an automatic be better? Im trying to keep the truck as repair friendly as possible. U never know when you will not be able to find a good mechanic. I have had a TH350 before in a 73 blazer and a 700r4 in an 89 jimmy. Which is the easiest automatic tranny to work on? I have searched on here and dont think I have asked the quetions the right way. BDK at work

 

[imiceman44]

So pretty much ditch the 3 speed then?

You don't have a 3 speed, it's a 4 speed.
3 speed plus granny low is a 4 speed.
There were some 3 speeds out there in the late 60's early 70's with a column shifter.
But yeah if you want both worlds covered you want to ditch it for a 5 speed, or keep it and put a doubler.
The easiest would be the Klune V or the black box, it's a bolt in you can just buy it and bolt it up, no need for looking for parts to finish your project.

 

[greengiant0311]

Sorry I called it a 3 speed. I know its a 4 speed but dont count the granny low. Klune V I have heard of but what is a black box? The less work the better.

 

[ryoken]

http://www.northwestfab.com/blackbox.html

 

[greengiant0311]

Thanks ryoken