TheCaptain
Registered Member
Well...it's almost time to start putting together the new powertrain for my project. I'd appreciate some advice from those who have been down this road before.
I'm working on my '74 K5. Originally, the truck had a 350/th350/np205...but the entire powertrain is pretty rough. It's a good time to get some upgrades ready...the truck is going to be apart for paint soon. Just for background...I am not making a hardcore wheeling rig out of this one - it's really more of a weekend fun machine to cruise around in or take the beach. Some degree of everyday drivability would be a good thing. I will occasionally tow with it, but nothing extreme. I am planning on keeping it at a 33" or 35" tire...it has about 2.5"-3" of suspension lift.
As far as the engine goes, I am leaning pretty strongly towards an HT383. It seems to be a pretty well balanced engine for a truck like mine...and with a just few bolt-ons, they actually pack a good punch.
As for transmissions...that is where I am a little more uncertain. A well built TH350 is no pushover, but a well built TH400 is something that I don't think I'll need to worry about much. Is a built TH350 good enough for heavy truck with a torque-friendly engine, or should I go for the strength of a TH400? I just don't want to worry about things going boom if I push on the loud pedal...I'm more inclined to overbuild something, than I am to underbuild it.
As for the transfer case, it's going to be an NP205. It seems to be a natural fit for a K5 - it's very strong, and very compact...it seems pretty ideal for a somewhat short wheelbase. One question about the NP205 though: I've seen at least two different extra braces for these - which one is better? Any idea where to get one?
I'm also considering adding an overdrive (GearVendors, or other) to the truck sometime in the future. Would the extra length of a TH400 and a few inches of lift put the driveline at too much of a hard angle in the rear? I had considered just going with a 4L80e, but I'd like to keep computers out of this one.
I appreciate any thoughts...I have to finalize the plans and start ordering parts over the next few weeks.
I'm working on my '74 K5. Originally, the truck had a 350/th350/np205...but the entire powertrain is pretty rough. It's a good time to get some upgrades ready...the truck is going to be apart for paint soon. Just for background...I am not making a hardcore wheeling rig out of this one - it's really more of a weekend fun machine to cruise around in or take the beach. Some degree of everyday drivability would be a good thing. I will occasionally tow with it, but nothing extreme. I am planning on keeping it at a 33" or 35" tire...it has about 2.5"-3" of suspension lift.
As far as the engine goes, I am leaning pretty strongly towards an HT383. It seems to be a pretty well balanced engine for a truck like mine...and with a just few bolt-ons, they actually pack a good punch.
As for transmissions...that is where I am a little more uncertain. A well built TH350 is no pushover, but a well built TH400 is something that I don't think I'll need to worry about much. Is a built TH350 good enough for heavy truck with a torque-friendly engine, or should I go for the strength of a TH400? I just don't want to worry about things going boom if I push on the loud pedal...I'm more inclined to overbuild something, than I am to underbuild it.
As for the transfer case, it's going to be an NP205. It seems to be a natural fit for a K5 - it's very strong, and very compact...it seems pretty ideal for a somewhat short wheelbase. One question about the NP205 though: I've seen at least two different extra braces for these - which one is better? Any idea where to get one?
I'm also considering adding an overdrive (GearVendors, or other) to the truck sometime in the future. Would the extra length of a TH400 and a few inches of lift put the driveline at too much of a hard angle in the rear? I had considered just going with a 4L80e, but I'd like to keep computers out of this one.
I appreciate any thoughts...I have to finalize the plans and start ordering parts over the next few weeks.
