Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

I have a 64 series 1000 with the 305E engine and the fully synchronized 3 on the column. I am considering changing to a 5 or 6 speed so I can get better gas mileage out of it. If anyone knows of a transmission that can be used for this please let me know what it is and if you know where to find one I would be thankful for that information also. Hoping to get good news soon. Here is what I am working on. http://6066gmcclub.com/forum/attachm...1&d=1438365698

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

hi and good morning, have put a Borg Warner T5 in my 62, was fairly easy conversion, with lots of info on the net, used one out of 1987 S10 truck, the 5speed is over drive, had to shorten drive shaft, and add the adapter plate to the bell housing, works awesome

For those that work your truck , or tow, it may be a little light duty, for the home depot runs it is well suited.

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Thanks for the information. I will check into finding a T5 where did you get your adapter and do you know the part number for it?

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

hi Paul Got my T5 from wrecked S10, bought the whole truck for 400$ was in a V6 version 1987 need the older models newer ones have the bell housing right on the tranny
The adapter is just a aluminum plate to position the tranny further back to accommodate the longer input shaft on the T5, you will need different clutch to mate with the spines on T5
Will check and see where I got the adap. plate from and get back to you, will also check some websites for tranny info which will help you a great deal JM

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Thanks again for the information and I appreciate you looking for more info for me. If anyone else has other info that might be helpful I would appreciate hearing from you also.

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Paul:
Just my two cents, but the easiest swap to get an overdrive gear and some better mileage is a 3 speed with overdrive tranny. They were used from about 1955 through about the late sixties. They use an electric solenoid to shift the transmission into overdrive. There were two versions, an early non synchro version with the 4 bolt side cover and the later synchro version with a seven bolt side cover. I have the later synchro version in my truck. Read all about them here:

http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...5n/rebuild.htm

Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Thanks for this information. Do you have any idea where one of the synchronized ones can be found and about what they are going for?

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Paul:
I bought mine a few years ago for $150 with $150 shipping. I have seen them from $150 to $1000. Somewhere in the middle is likely the right number. Two parts on the tranny are getting a bit tough to replace, thus you should be sure that they have those parts and they are in working condition. The first is the governor switch that sticks out on the right side of the tranny. The second is the solenoid that sticks out on the left side. If you need to ship one of these, you should have both removed to ensure that they are not damaged (ask me how I learned the hard way with UPS). It will take a bit of scrounging to find one, but Craigslist and Ebay are the two places that I see them pop up. These trannies will bolt in place of the three speed that you have currently.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

Steve: thanks a lot for the information. Now to see if I can find one.

Re: Changing from 3 speed to a 5 or 6 speed
 

HAS ANY ONE PUT AN OVERDRIVE NV 4500 TRANS OUT OF A LATE 90S OR SO CHEVY IN PLACE OF A 4 SPEED IN ONE OF THESE TRUCKS. I HAVE A GOOD ONE, AND OVERDRIVE WOULD BE GREAT IN MY 66 1500.:headscratch: