Tranny Swap Help

[mud390]

I've got an 81 K10 that started life as an 6 cylinder/auto/208 setup. At some point the auto was swapped out for a 3 speed/208 combo. Everything works fine as far as shifting, driving, 4x4. My question is, what would it take to put a 4 speed in the truck? Would it be as simple as swapping the 3 speed for the 4 speed? Would I be able to use the 208, or would I need to swap in another transfer case (have a 205 just sitting)? What 4 speed would be best/easiest to swap in? I'd like to keep the mechanical linkage. Thanks!!

Kris

 

[supersize75k5]

just outside the box, I cant think of a 4 speen manual.. so ill go with telling you to looking into the 32 spline nv4500..which has a bell housing available for truck..but are you using a v8 or the inline 6? if the 6...?? their are the options for the t-case though with adapters to it..


if your doing all this wor I ant see leaving the inline six in there..

also you have the option to gran the whole drivetrain from a early 90's chevy..

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

Sm465 with the granny first for the win, not sure if it will work with the 6 cylinder.

 

[supersize75k5]

Sounds like he has the sm465..most people call it a three speed.

edit just re-read..


at any rate yes a sm465 came behind a manual..there is two of them sitting in my dads back yard..one coneected to an I6

SOOO...


what you want now is an early 80's- sm465 with a 208 bolted up behind it, combo y=should cost you 500.00 or less. issue is just making sure you have the right bell housing. if not you could find one off here im sure. im I know where two are then there must be more!

 

[mud390]

The transmission in the truck currently is actually a 3 speed. I was looking to put a 465 in the truck and run a 208 behind it, since that is what the truck already has. I do have a 205 in the garage I could use, but it needs gone through. As far as the engine goes, I'm planning on keeping the six in there. It keeps me out of trouble and its a little easier on gas. This truck is mostly a hunting/trail truck anyhow. Just looking to upgrade to a lower first gear.
Did the 465 ever come from the factory with a 208 behind it? The actually transmission swap should be a simple bolt in operation, correct? No crazy fabrication required?

Kris

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

[/quote]what you want now is an early 80's- sm465 with a 208 bolted up behind it, combo y=should cost you 500.00 or less. issue is just making sure you have the right bell housing. if not you could find one off here im sure. im I know where two are then there must be more![/quote]

Shouldn't have a problem finding a sm465 with a 208, I don't believe you will have to fab anything, maybe swap the cross member. Good luck!

 

[mud390]

Thanks for all the help! Now the search for the parts begins!

Kris

 

[original balzer]

I dont know much about the 3 speed they used in trucks. IIRC they are a tremec T160. The sm465/208 combo should be easy to find and will bolt right to your I6 bellhousing. I have a 83 K20 light duty that has that combo.