One piece SM465 stick, clutch selection

[zac]

SM465/NP205 rebuild was supposed to be done by now for my ‘70 K10 burb, but ended up getting axles redone/upgraded first. Old school axle guy had some interesting insights for my trans and case rebuild.

I definitely want to go with the one piece stick, wanted to know if anybody here had any comments. I want to bend it back like stock, I’ve heard the length is different. Is there only one place that makes them? I’ve heard that welding that bottom piece is asking for trouble. Any comments?

Also, pushing 60, my right knee is iffy, left one still ok. But I want to have the easiest clutch I can get that still does the job. I assume that means diaphragm. And I’ve done enough street rod stuff that I’m not above modifying the linkage a bit to increase the mechanical advantage. And hydraulic is an option. Stockiish truck with warmed up 406. Input?