I just posted my first post getting advice on FI to carb... this is the 2nd immediate project I'd like to get rolling out as well.

I've take her out 4-wheeling and found that the inability to rock with the automatic is somewhat annoying as I've always had 4wd with 5 spds prior to this truck.

I'd love to do a conversion to 5spd (6spd if possible and not too expensive) tranny and am seeking any advice as to what tranny would be recommended along with what work will be required by myself or others. I'd prefer to go to a stick instead of shifting on the column... so I'm sure there will be some mod work involved.

Currently truck has a 5.7L and the 4L60 (700R4) installed. I understand some models had the Saginaw SM465 four-speed manual (1973-1991) installed but I've not driven or seen one and didn't know if the shifter was column or floor based stick. I'd prefer to go to something newer/stronger with at least another gear if not 2.... making it 6spd but for what I use her for a 5spd is fine...

Thanks again. -Andy

 

Your options are only limited by your wallet. An SM465 is not going to give you another gear. 4th is only 1:1 so you would actually be loosing the overdrive that you now have. The SM465 has a granny low gear with a 6.55:1 gear ratio. 2nd & 3rd gears are 3.58:1 and 1.57:1 respectively. It is a strong transmission, but if you are looking for more gears, you really should look elsewhere.

You could possibly find a 4wd version of the NV4500 which would be a heavy duty 5spd with overdrive trans that was used in newer GM applications. It was first used in the GM trucks in 93.