What are my options?

[Paxx]

Well I found a blazer for my project (maybe). I'm still kicking myself for not asking what year it was. Anyway, it has the engine pulled and the axles removed but I have those. Everything works, wipers, tailgate window, etc. The body is fairly good. Minor rust here and there, but they cracked some of the body when they dropped it without the axles. Nothing that can't be fixed cheap. all for only $200 /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Problem - its an automatic. I don't really want an auto. How hard would it be to convert to a standard? I have a sm465 in my donor diesel, would it take much to throw in while the engine is out?
I'm no mechanic so I'll have to pay for it to be done.
Another thing I was wondering, is the first gear on the sm465 a lot lower than that of a th400 or th350. This is one of my major concerns for avoiding an automatic. I do not want to lose the great crawl ratio that the sm465 offers. Could the auto be regeared? would this be too expensive? /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif
Any input is very welcome. thnx

 

[bablazer73]

It can be a pain to swap from auto to stick. You have to change the pedal assembly, In some cases the cross membersare different, driveshafts and t-cases, might be a problem also. This will get pricy if you are paying to have it done. You might be better off if you find a rig with a stick in it already. There are plenty around. but this might be a decent parts truck.

 

[4x4Freak]

If you cant work on it yourself you would be better off to just find one thats already got the basic setup you want. A mechanic usually charges ATLEAST $45/hr (usually more). It'll take many hours to build a truck. Even if you have to travel to find a blazer you would probably still save a lot of money.

 

[Paxx]

hmm thnx for the input guys, even if it wasn't what iwas hoping to hear /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
what about the transmission gearing? Anyone know the answer to that?

 

[wrathORC]

Can be a lot of work to swap. I haven't done it myself but it looks like a chore and a half.

IF someone knows the reverse gear ratios to these it'd be very nice if they were to tell us what they are. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


700R4:
3.06, 1.62, 1.00, 0.70, R2.29

TH350:
2.52, 1.52, 1.00, R1.93

TH400:
2.48, 1.48, 1.00, R2.00

SM420:
7.05, 3.57, 1.70, 1.00, R7.05

SM465:
6.58, 3.58, 1.57, 1.00, R6.58

NP435:
6.69, 3.34, 1.79, 1.00, R6.69

NV4500 1992-1994:
6.34, 3.44, 1.71, 1.00, .73

NV4500 1995-up (somewhere around 98 they changed input shaft sizes):
5.61, 3.04, 1.67, 1.00, .75, R5.61

NV5600:
5.63, 3.38, 2.04, 1.39, 1.00, .73, R5.63

 

[rick88blaze]

there are rock crawler kits available for auto's now. don't know what they cost, and i know for sure they are available for the 700r4, but i'm not sure about 350's or 400's.

 

[Paxx]

hey wrath thnx for the numbers. You got any for a nv4500 and nv5600?
Does anyone know where you can get crawler kits from? links?

thnx again

 

[rick88blaze]

check with your local performance, tranny, and parts stores. surely somebody would be able to steer you in the right direction. I saw it in 4wheel & offroad. i'm at work right now, when i get home tonight i'll see if i still have the magazine with that article. if i do i'll post up the manufacturer. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[Paxx]

right on /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
so would the nv4500 bolt right up in place of a sm465?