My 79 Project

[silverChevy79]

k. im looking for some advice to put in a 5 speed manual transmission in my 1/2 ton with a 350. also looking to put a brush gaurd on the truck with a roll bar and bed rails. need lots of chrome or stainless. does anyone know where i can find these parts cheap or how to do anything with these parts like making them? i need some nice 35 in tires for my truck. what kind would be good for mud/climbing/road wear?

[NonGoggleGuy]

How many '79s do you have? <laugh>

[hotrodpc]

What 5 speed manual are you planning on putting in? I hope its not the weak later models 1/2 ton trans.

[silverChevy79]

Originally Posted by NonGoggleGuy

How many '79s do you have? <laugh>

i have just this one. its my second 79. i had a 2wd 79. rolled it.

[silverChevy79]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

What 5 speed manual are you planning on putting in? I hope its not the weak later models 1/2 ton trans.

i dont know what kind of 5 speed to put in. thats why i am asking. i dont know what transmissions will bolt up to my 79.

[NonGoggleGuy]

Originally Posted by silverChevy79

i dont know what kind of 5 speed to put in. thats why i am asking. i dont know what transmissions will bolt up to my 79.

Sorry, I'd like to help, but that's before my generation. I don't know too much about anything before the mid-80s. I'm just a little guy.

[75K30]

Since the chavy engine has not changed bellhousing bolt patterns for big or small blocks, you are golden for bellhousings. As far as great transmissions go, you might find the NV4500 to be about the best for your application. This is a rather spendy transmission, but gives you a great range of gear options. Things to look out for, is the adapter and output shaft for the trans, It will have to be the same as the input shaft for your transfer case. Hopefully you are using a NP205 case, but even this had a few input options. Different shafts are available, and your are not the first to attempt this but beware this is a little spendy.
The weak link on the chevy is the interface between the output shaft and the input of the transfer case. If you have the 205 case, then you more than likely have a 10 spline shaft and coupler. This is on the weak side, but can survive moderate abuse.
Next you will have to determine which style clutch actuation you are wanting to use. Mechanical or hydraulic. These bellhousings are available in both configurations, and the mechanical versions may have a pivot within the bellhousing or it may use a pivot mounted on the block, so make sure that you are aware of what you have so you get parts that will integrate or the clutch will not work.
There are length differences with the two transmissions, assuming that you are removeing an SM465 4 speed. (great trans by the way).
The SM465 is 12 inches long with an adapter housing of 7.250 inches. The transmission and transfer case adapter length is approximately 19.250 inches. The overall length of the new unit is approximately 1 inch longer that the stock one it replaces, therefore, driveline modifications may be necessary. The overall length assembled including the bellhousing is 26.250 inches.
Not an easy job, but is real high on the cool point list......

[hotrodpc]

Getting a bit over my head in the 4x4 stuff now, but I will add this as my .02. I'd go mechanical clutch for a 4x4 that you are wanting to be a bit rough with. Tougher pedal but I personally believe they respond better and quicker if that makes any sense. Also should be easer when adding a pedal and having to mount a clutch master that can fail, and also a slave that can fail. Just my opinion, I like manual clutch better. Good for the leg muscle too instead of a sissy clutch like my car has and most modern manual transmssions today.

[silverChevy79]

Originally Posted by 75K30

Since the chavy engine has not changed bellhousing bolt patterns for big or small blocks, you are golden for bellhousings. As far as great transmissions go, you might find the NV4500 to be about the best for your application. This is a rather spendy transmission, but gives you a great range of gear options. Things to look out for, is the adapter and output shaft for the trans, It will have to be the same as the input shaft for your transfer case. Hopefully you are using a NP205 case, but even this had a few input options. Different shafts are available, and your are not the first to attempt this but beware this is a little spendy.
The weak link on the chevy is the interface between the output shaft and the input of the transfer case. If you have the 205 case, then you more than likely have a 10 spline shaft and coupler. This is on the weak side, but can survive moderate abuse.
Next you will have to determine which style clutch actuation you are wanting to use. Mechanical or hydraulic. These bellhousings are available in both configurations, and the mechanical versions may have a pivot within the bellhousing or it may use a pivot mounted on the block, so make sure that you are aware of what you have so you get parts that will integrate or the clutch will not work.
There are length differences with the two transmissions, assuming that you are removeing an SM465 4 speed. (great trans by the way).
The SM465 is 12 inches long with an adapter housing of 7.250 inches. The transmission and transfer case adapter length is approximately 19.250 inches. The overall length of the new unit is approximately 1 inch longer that the stock one it replaces, therefore, driveline modifications may be necessary. The overall length assembled including the bellhousing is 26.250 inches.
Not an easy job, but is real high on the cool point list......

how much do you think i will be spending?

[silverChevy79]

k. so i found a conversion kit for a grand. it says it is for a conversion for the NV4500 to replace the SM465. now is that the tranny that i have or? how will i find that out. i am really starting to think i will spend about 3 grand but it would be worth it.
http://www.nv4500.com/product_info.p...ducts_id/24275