tk600. Forward, centre or rear for the shifter?

[Paul Y]

Good evening Gentlemen,

Long time lurker and now new owner of a 66 shortbed.

I have a question with regards to shifter location on a TK600 trans. Truck currently has a sm420 4speed installed and I would like to use the original shifter position. If that is my aim should I order the trans with the shifter forward, in the middle or rearward.

I could go and measure this myself, problem is that the truck is currently 6000 miles from where I am...

So, I am sure that I am not alone in fitting a tk trans to C10, what have others done or have found to work out best.

Truck will retain bench seat if that makes a difference.

Thanks for the advice.

P.

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Good evening Gentlemen,

Long time lurker and now new owner of a 66 shortbed.

I have a question with regards to shifter location on a TK600 trans. Truck currently has a sm420 4speed installed and I would like to use the original shifter position. If that is my aim should I order the trans with the shifter forward, in the middle or rearward.

I could go and measure this myself, problem is that the truck is currently 6000 miles from where I am...

So, I am sure that I am not alone in fitting a tk trans to C10, what have others done or have found to work out best.

Truck will retain bench seat if that makes a difference.

Thanks for the advice.

P.

Quite possibly might be apples to oranges but I replaced my SM420 with a TKO500 and only a front shift kit would have gotten the shifter to utilize the same hole. It is an expensive part so I chose to use the mid-shifter mount. It required a new hole but it is actually a much more serviceable location in the end. Using the rear shifter would have put the lever right against the seats as you can see in the pics. My builder put a couple nice burnished steel plates over the original holes (for tranny and trans brake) that fit the look and look like access hatches. It fits my build.

[newbe351]

Originally Posted by endlessearth

Quite possibly might be apples to oranges but I replaced my SM420 with a TKO500 and only a front shift kit would have gotten the shifter to utilize the same hole. It is an expensive part so I chose to use the mid-shifter mount. It required a new hole but it is actually a much more serviceable location in the end. Using the rear shifter would have put the lever right against the seats as you can see in the pics.

My exact situation.

Front position if you want same location, middle if want less expensive, more practical location (leaves more room for working on radio, windshield wiper motor, under dash A/C, lots of stuff)......

[Paul Y]

And this ^^^^ is why I love the internet.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer and post pictures of your build, you have just saved me about $300!

Two more questions if you wouldn't mind.

Did you use the original cross member and bellhousing on your install?

With the shifter in the mid position does it clear the seat or will you need a cranked handle similar to that used in the tri chevys with a bench seat?

Thanks again.

P.

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

And this ^^^^ is why I love the internet.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer and post pictures of your build, you have just saved me about $300!

Two more questions if you wouldn't mind.

Did you use the original cross member and bellhousing on your install?

With the shifter in the mid position does it clear the seat or will you need a cranked handle similar to that used in the tri chevys with a bench seat?

Thanks again.

P.

Sorry for late reply. It required a custom cross member. The shifter shown which is cut from aluminum stock does not contact the bench seat in any position.

[endlessearth]

It did however require a custom shift knob.

[scottofksu]

As for bellhousings, I have read that this is a CRITICAL piece when it comes to installing a TKO... They require very precise alignment that, typically, a stock bellhousing (or, as some report, anything other than a Quicktime) can provide. There goes your $300! :0)

[Paul Y]

Thanks Scott, I was going to use a Lakewood that I have in the shed but now not sure if it will fit.

Does anyone know who makes a dual pattern bellhousing. Gen 1 and LSX? If I have to purchase a new one for the TK I want options! A quick Google search has produced nothing.

P.