1979 k5 using parts from a 1986 k5 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1979k54x4 · 03-12-2022, 05:57 PM

I have a 1979 k5
I'm wanting too know can I use the 4speed auto transmission and transfer case
And front dif and rear dif and the cluster dash .

Pontiac1976 · 03-12-2022, 08:54 PM

You are changing pretty much the whole drive train so it should be fine but you will need drive shaft, shift indicator, trans cross mount and mounting bushing, then you have to see about e-brake system you would like to set up.( the bracket for the 84-87 cables). As for the Cluster if it has the same option as your it easier.
You will have to check the wiring plug for a few changes between 79 and 86. if the 79 did not come with gauges and the 86 did then there a lot more repining. If you look up cluster threads more info on this here.

**66gmcguy** · 03-15-2022, 11:27 AM

The gauge cluster will physically bolt up to the dash and the plug will also connect to it, but as mentioned above, I would definitely check the wiring. I fried the printed circuit trying to plug in the cluster from an 1973 truck to a 1980 truck. There are several wiring diagrams available for each year and they should show the pinouts for the gauge cluster.

**hatzie** · 03-17-2022, 07:56 PM

1978-1987 gauge clusters will interchange directly.
1973-75 & 1976-77 have some oddities.

Warning lamp cluster to gauge cluster will take some pinout modification.

03-12-2022, 05:57 PM	#1
1979k54x4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Oak Hill Posts: 2	1979 k5 using parts from a 1986 k5 I have a 1979 k5 I'm wanting too know can I use the 4speed auto transmission and transfer case And front dif and rear dif and the cluster dash .

03-12-2022, 08:54 PM	#2
Pontiac1976 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 766	Re: 1979 k5 using parts from a 1986 k5 You are changing pretty much the whole drive train so it should be fine but you will need drive shaft, shift indicator, trans cross mount and mounting bushing, then you have to see about e-brake system you would like to set up.( the bracket for the 84-87 cables). As for the Cluster if it has the same option as your it easier. You will have to check the wiring plug for a few changes between 79 and 86. if the 79 did not come with gauges and the 86 did then there a lot more repining. If you look up cluster threads more info on this here. __________________ 1977 REG cab Long Bed with a 1984 Front Clip, 82 305 .60 over 9.0.1 flat top pistons, 4bbl, TH350, w/84 SS-intake & cam , w/ 1977 big block rad, 1975 gear box, 1984 master w/ metric fittings top & SAE fitting @ portion block, 1975 3.42 gear open diff. Duel 77-87 Factory air cleaner, duel inlet from rad support . Down sized 9' to new 8' Steel flat bed Was a 77 454 w/308 gear. Taken out 550 lbs. up front with motor clip change.

03-15-2022, 11:27 AM	#3
66gmcguy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 340	Re: 1979 k5 using parts from a 1986 k5 The gauge cluster will physically bolt up to the dash and the plug will also connect to it, but as mentioned above, I would definitely check the wiring. I fried the printed circuit trying to plug in the cluster from an 1973 truck to a 1980 truck. There are several wiring diagrams available for each year and they should show the pinouts for the gauge cluster.

03-17-2022, 07:56 PM	#4
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: 1979 k5 using parts from a 1986 k5 1978-1987 gauge clusters will interchange directly. 1973-75 & 1976-77 have some oddities. Warning lamp cluster to gauge cluster will take some pinout modification. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

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