starting my t-5 swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Smokeshow_1984 · 08-27-2009, 11:30 PM

Well ladies and gentlemen, I finally got sick of my horrible fuel milage with my 4.11's, so I bit the bullet and bought a donor car for the swap,a 3rd gen f body with a mild 350, and a t5, which brings me to my question. with a swb truck, anyone have any idea as to the required length of the driveshaft? I know, I know, get it installed first, then messure the distance, But, I dont like vehicles sitting around, waiting. Id like to know before I start ripping things apart.
Subsequently, a 74 250, and 3sp will be sitting around shortly.
Thanks, Ben.

dan76 · 08-27-2009, 11:39 PM

No I don't know the measurement, however I'd recommend you not have a DS prebuilt until you are sure of the measurement. Most DS shops have a quick turnaround...especially in this economic climate. Check around and talk to recommended shops prior to needing the DS and get an estimate of cost and time to build.

Driveway Dreams · 08-27-2009, 11:53 PM

I agree get the stuff in and then get your shaft. That way you can measure length at ride height, compressed, and extended. I can get one built here in a day or two. Cost: a couple hundred for a new custom built, balanced, aluminum driveshaft.

Twisted78SS · 08-27-2009, 11:58 PM

I know Brad did a nice write-up on the T5 swap, but do not remember if he mentions the length. Take a peek in the FAQ area for the article if you have not seen it.

andrewmp6 · 08-28-2009, 05:52 AM

If your over 300hp you better baby that t5.

menace121978 · 08-28-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

If your over 300hp you better baby that t5.

X2... what year f body? the T5 was only offered behind the 5.0HO/5.0TPI motor i thought? something you may want to look into. the 5.7's were backed by the 700r4 or early th350... if i remember correctly.

Pyrotechnic · 08-28-2009, 12:08 PM

The T5 is a good gas mileage trans because it's so light weight and relatively inexpensive, but forget about hard launches and powershifts. If you just launch it normally and slide smoothly into each gear, it should last. The 4.11's will work in your favor since they are doing more of the toque multiplication thus taking some stress off the transmission and clutch.

Also, the T5 can be built to hold more power, and I believe the TKO-600 (based on the T5) is a direct swap and is very strong (600 lb/ft torque rated) if you want to upgrade later on.

big10ratrod77 · 08-28-2009, 05:23 PM

also if you dont know you would have to use a s-10 tail shaft so your shifter wont be in your seat

Smokeshow_1984 · 09-01-2009, 04:48 PM

Ive read the write up. The seat/tailshaft clearance issue is really only an issue when using an Inline 6 with an fbody tailshaft.
With the v8 mounts, the t5 sits closer to the front of the truck.
Im not building a drag truck, just a fun cruiser, and, as it is now with just the 250, she doesnt get any traction on a hard start, so, Im not too worried about nuking the t-5.
The motor is a later 4 bolt, modified vortec head engine with 800 miles of run time.

08-27-2009, 11:30 PM	#1
Smokeshow_1984 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Truro,Massachusetts Posts: 29	starting my t-5 swap Well ladies and gentlemen, I finally got sick of my horrible fuel milage with my 4.11's, so I bit the bullet and bought a donor car for the swap,a 3rd gen f body with a mild 350, and a t5, which brings me to my question. with a swb truck, anyone have any idea as to the required length of the driveshaft? I know, I know, get it installed first, then messure the distance, But, I dont like vehicles sitting around, waiting. Id like to know before I start ripping things apart. Subsequently, a 74 250, and 3sp will be sitting around shortly. Thanks, Ben.

08-27-2009, 11:39 PM	#2
dan76 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 441	Re: starting my t-5 swap No I don't know the measurement, however I'd recommend you not have a DS prebuilt until you are sure of the measurement. Most DS shops have a quick turnaround...especially in this economic climate. Check around and talk to recommended shops prior to needing the DS and get an estimate of cost and time to build.

08-27-2009, 11:53 PM	#3
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: starting my t-5 swap I agree get the stuff in and then get your shaft. That way you can measure length at ride height, compressed, and extended. I can get one built here in a day or two. Cost: a couple hundred for a new custom built, balanced, aluminum driveshaft. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

08-27-2009, 11:58 PM	#4
Twisted78SS Wide n'Low Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: La Center, WA Posts: 1,511	Re: starting my t-5 swap I know Brad did a nice write-up on the T5 swap, but do not remember if he mentions the length. Take a peek in the FAQ area for the article if you have not seen it. __________________ Trippin Hazard.. 67 swb, Gold Member.. 68 Suburban Air Force Retired

08-28-2009, 05:52 AM	#5
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: starting my t-5 swap If your over 300hp you better baby that t5.

08-28-2009, 12:08 PM	#7
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: starting my t-5 swap The T5 is a good gas mileage trans because it's so light weight and relatively inexpensive, but forget about hard launches and powershifts. If you just launch it normally and slide smoothly into each gear, it should last. The 4.11's will work in your favor since they are doing more of the toque multiplication thus taking some stress off the transmission and clutch. Also, the T5 can be built to hold more power, and I believe the TKO-600 (based on the T5) is a direct swap and is very strong (600 lb/ft torque rated) if you want to upgrade later on. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

08-28-2009, 05:23 PM	#8
big10ratrod77 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: hillborough nc Posts: 410	Re: starting my t-5 swap also if you dont know you would have to use a s-10 tail shaft so your shifter wont be in your seat __________________ 77 chevy BIG 10 350/sm465/12bolt w 3.73 bout 240 horse power NO power steerin 79 chevy 1/2 ton 250/three on the tree/3.08s soon to get built 250/floor shift conversion/3.08s 81 mercedes 300d 25 MPG 77 chevy BIG DOOLEY 454/sm-465/14 bolt 4.10s "fully loaded" 73 plymouth duster 225 slant six/230 3 speed/8 1/4 trying to acheve 300 horse six http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3135091 '77 chevy trucks. built to stay tough. life is short build a hot rod

09-01-2009, 04:48 PM	#9
Smokeshow_1984 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Truro,Massachusetts Posts: 29	Re: starting my t-5 swap Ive read the write up. The seat/tailshaft clearance issue is really only an issue when using an Inline 6 with an fbody tailshaft. With the v8 mounts, the t5 sits closer to the front of the truck. Im not building a drag truck, just a fun cruiser, and, as it is now with just the 250, she doesnt get any traction on a hard start, so, Im not too worried about nuking the t-5. The motor is a later 4 bolt, modified vortec head engine with 800 miles of run time. Last edited by Smokeshow_1984; 09-01-2009 at 04:50 PM. Reason: More info!

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