thinking about going from auto to standard

[rosey]

hey, ive got an 87 chev single cab short box with a 302 auto in it, was wondering how much a second hand standard tranny would run me in CAD and how much work is involved, thanks.

[75K30]

Welcome Rosey;
Your question is interesting, and it has many blind factor to it. Overlooking some things that make this a straight foward swap is common, and knowing how much is involved might just change you mind about the swap.
I am only speculating, but did you burn up your auto, and considered having it re-built only to be floored by the cost, and are considering the manual swap in an attempt to save some money?
I ask because this is probably the number one reason.
Alright, keep in mind that auto and manual crossmembers are different, as well as driveshat lengths. Your automatic truck does not have enough pedals to operate the clutch so you will have to buy some pedal assemblies that has a clutch pedal. These units are different, and a clutch pedal can't just be hung next to the brake pedal. The brake pedal is a different size anyway.
While we ar on the clutch. you will have to install the entire clutch assembly, and this might include a hydraulic clutch. This will require plenty of parts to accomplish.
A new flywheel will have to be purchased, and a clutch, pressure plate and release bearing. Hopefully the crank has the appropraite hole in it to accomodate the pilot shaft.
If this is a 4wd truck the work gets even more involved as you will require a transmission that has the correct adapter for your t-case.
dis-regard if your ride is 2wd.
Manual transmissions from this era were not considered real strong units, and may not be that much of an upgrade.
This swap has more involved than meets the eye, so be aware that you are not going to just throw a manual trans in there and drive away.

[rosey]

its 2wd, i really would like to have a standard and not to mention the improved gas mileage (15%) its really a project truck so i've got time on my hands and tools to use but i dont have too much knowledge about transmission assembly's. the auto in it now has close to 400k on it so i feel if i can come across a parts truck for sale and get a few parts for cheap this could be a worthy project, will i have to take off the whole cab? or just put it up on a car jack and use a transmission jack to hoist it up? thanks, rosey

[75K30]

The transmissions can be removed from under the vehicle. You will have to remove the shifter from the top of the transmission, but after this, you can pull it. Just a few bolts to remove the trans from the bellhousing, and then the package becomes pretty small, then remove the bellhousing from the block, and take the rest of the stuff off.
The auto transmission will have to be removed as a complete unit, but your are correct with your thought of a donor truck. This will have all of the parts you need, including the steering column. The standard shift vehicle does not have the sifter lever on the column. You can leave the auto column, but that just looks so unfinished to me.
Now lets talk about this mileage thing. Chances are that you can get slightly better mileage out of the manual, but this is mostly due to the parasitic loss, but this is rather minimal.
I mean, how much do you have to spend to save a minimal amount of fuel, and how long will it take to realize this investment in a form of savings.
This could take several years to just break even.
I guess if you like shifting gears, then it could be fun, and worth the time and investment.
I really like that body style truck, and they look sharp with a later model dual headlight front clip.
This sounds like a fun project. Do you have any oics of your truck to share?

[hotrodpc]

Seems like 75K is going in all the right directions. Also add a starter to your list of parts to change. The auto usually bolts to the engine block, the manual starter bolts to the bell housing. Also, how did you come up with 302 for this truck, or did you mean 305? 302 in a Chev is usually a 327 block with a 283 crank, or is it a 283 with a 327 crank? **** I am getting old, but nevertheless I know it is possible for a factory Chev 302, but that was way way back in the days, nowhere near 87. IMHO, I would leave it auto. If you want to have fun, get you a good THM350 or THM350C and put a shift kit in it. You could even go with a full manual valve body that will give you whip lash when it shifts. Really the only fuel mileage you save is that the auto does absorb some horsepower to operate the pump, about like running an AC compressor. Lots and lots of work to make the conversion and do it right. Are you talking of putting one of those granny 4 speeds in it?

[gmctrucks]

How about the motor mounts won't they have to be changed out as well if I was you I would buy another trans or have yours rebuilt with heavy duty parts like 75k30 said the standard transmission for that year of truck aren't that good might just save money and go the route I said and think about in so many years your going to have to change out the clutch, bearing, and so on.

[rosey]

Yeah I don't even know what I'm thinking it is a 305 sorry, parts for these trucks go for dirt cheap around here, they usually are used for snow plows there for people don't think much of them, I'm thinking i could probably get the whole setup for around 500-1000 bucks. I do enjoy using manual, this truck has been in my family for a long time and my father handed it down to me, i want to restore this but i don't want to turn it into a hot rod or something.

[Herleman]

How will you add the clutch?

[chevyracer8262]

With that model truck you'd to find a manual transmission that uses a hydraulic cluch system and has a vehicle speed sensor for you speedometer to work, you'll need to get the pedal assy which is not that difficult to remove, the clutch master cyl, the slave cylinder, the hydraulic lines are simple and cheap go to you local parts store and buy adapters to go from the master cylinder to a 3/16" steel line(I used this setup with my 89 i built the replacement line was around $90 and I bought the fittings and line from NAPA for about $20), a different length driveshaft, a flywheel (make sure that it's for a latemodel engine with the 1 pc rear main seal because the flywheels from 84 and older engines will not interchange), clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing. If you had all the parts and knew how everything goes it's not that difficult. I've helped my uncles do these type of swaps many times. It normaly takes us abot a weekend to complete a project. Oh and 1 more thing if you do this remember the clutch is a gravity bled system I tried for 2 days to bleed the air out of mine before I realized that.

[rosey]

hey guys! I'm reviving this topic i have been busy and broke and have not had time to work on this truck, but i now have a 350 4bbl carborated motor for it and a complete 4wd set up with positive traction on all 4 wheels. I'm still looking for a manual transmission out of a donor truck, probably the older 4gear transmissions out of an older 75 chassis or something, what do you think of this setup?