changing transmissions

[beechcreek]

I have a 72' chevy 4x4 shorty, it has a 3-speed on the column. Can i put a modern 5-speed manual transmission in it. And if i can can i use the 205 transfer case that is in it now? I am not real sure what i want in it but i do know i don't want the column shift.

[kwmech]

Depends on which 5 speed you choose.

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by beechcreek

I have a 72' chevy 4x4 shorty, it has a 3-speed on the column. Can i put a modern 5-speed manual transmission in it. And if i can can i use the 205 transfer case that is in it now? I am not real sure what i want in it but i do know i don't want the column shift.

It would be ten times easier and to convert your tranny to floor shift and just go with it. If you really wanted to go with a tranny swap it would a thousand times cheaper and easier to just locate a SM465/NP205 combo and just swap that entire combo in. I wouldn't waste my time with the 5 speed swap, just too expensive. First you have to locate a tranny, and when you find one (more than likely a NV3500 or 4500) it's gonna cost some $$$. I've seen NV4500's go from 900 to 2000. The 4500 is a beefier tranny and more adaptable than the 3500 epecially if you want to use the NP205.

[snj8198]

there are a few ways to mount a 205 to the nv4500. each is determined by which bolt pattern the tc has:
1st: the 4500 has a round 6 bolt pattern so it can mount directly to an 80's 205 found behind th400s, but the input shaft will need to be swapped to a 32 spline gear.
2nd: an AA adapter can be used which will utilize a female coupler to mate the ouput/input shafts.
3rd: if you can not find a round pattern tc and have an 8 bolt racetrack pattern tc then a custom drilled empty case can be purchased which will again mount directly to the trans. swap your guts to the new case and use a 32 spline input gear.
Did i get em all? any discrepancies? -steve

[beechcreek]

Thanks for the info, if i moved the 3-speed to the floor what shifter will hold up? Some people told me they would not hold up, and i will have problems.

[Conroe trucker]

A factory three speed 4x4 is getting very rare.
You are only the 3rd person I have heard that actually has one.

You should reconsider.

I have two 3OT one 2WD & one 4WD, and one 4 spd 4x4 floor.
The most comments are on the 3OT.

If you need bushings let me know, they are avilable for the column and trans linkage.
Once replaced, these columns shift really tight.

The transfer case shifter seem to be different for a 4spd and 3OT.
Not sure why.
The 3OT shifter points really close to your leg it seems.

I like the 4 spd granny gear, but I like the clean floor of a 3OT.
Beauty is hardly anyone can drive them anymore.

IMO, an after market floor shifter would look really bad next to a stock transfer case shifter.

[beechcreek]

Thanks for the info, i didn't realize that they were that rare. I had a 73' when younger that had the 3ot and it hung up all the time. I havn't had any trouble with this one except that just not liking it that much.

[Conroe trucker]

There is a link somewhere on here on how to adjust the shift linkage.

If you can not find it let me know.

Mine hangs up about every other day.
I consider it one of the cool things about the truck, Green Acres, Sanford & Son, etc.

Horrifies my daughter though.

Is yours a 6 cylinder?