Transmission Woes

[dwhite84]

I just purchased my 1969 K20 with an SM465 transmission and 350 small block. Intend to make her a resto-mod long term but right now I just want to keep her running and do small upgrades as I can afford them.

Today I went to move the truck and the clutch pedal went all the way to the floor. I looked under the truck and the lower fork push rod (I've seen a few names for it... but the adjustable rod to the fork) was no longer connected and the push rod swivel nut was laying on the ground. There is literally no room left to adjust the rod - which makes me think a clutch replacement may be in order (although it was shifting great the 50 or so miles I've put on it).

But now the gears are spinning in my head... and thought I'd ask the group some questions (please note money is fairly tight at the moment for me):

• If I am going to pull the transmission to replace the clutch, should I also rebuild the transfer case and transmission?
• I intend to upgrade to an NV4500 - I don't expect to ever do heavy hauling or towing - would I be better off getting an NV4500 from a junkyard and rebuilding?
• If I go the NV4500 route, what transfer case and year range should I be looking for (I understand I need one with the mechanical speed). Also, what should I expect to pay for a Junkyard find?

I appreciate any thoughts! Thank you!