csramsey640

Found another. w350 cc, 135k, 4x4 dually. with Auto Trans.

I have been wanting a 5spd due to planned use for the truck. I pull an equipment trailer sometimes loaded pretty heavy, and usually have to pull up out of old farm fields and muddy roads.

Its driving me nuts not having a truck, but i dont wanna get something ill regret. Cost wise, what does it take to put a Getrag or NV4500 into one of these trucks? or How much $$ needs to go into one of these autos to make them bullet proof. I do plan to BOMB away on the rig also

Thanks!

wannadiesel

The old autos seem to be pretty tough. Put a big cooler on it, get a tighter TC and a shift kit or upgraded VB and it will handle the work. Somewhere around $1500 at worst if you do the work yourself. The TC swap is the hardest part.

Definitely cheaper to do minor upgrades to the automatic than to swap in a manual unless you find a good donor truck cheap.

If you really want a manual, wait for it.

janb

The manuals were not as tough as the auto's from what I've heard.

That said... I am not sold on my stock auto in my '93 4x4 DRW. I think some tricks are needed, (governor spring, fueling pin, TC) Yesterday I brought home my new toy, (Tracked Bobcat / 6 accessories) (180 miles of fairly flat freeway) the gross combined wieght was ~25k, I keep truck licensed for 28k (if I tow my Crawler) Pulling from a stop on a hill was always making me wonder if it was actually going to make it. I do have a huge factory Trans cooler, and it ran ~50% of time. I had to keep speed below 55, as tires were getting too hot on trailer (triple axle singles, Eager Beaver backhoe trailer)

But, since we have some pretty steep hills (10% + for last 3 miles home) I might need to get a bigger truck (I would love to find a Studebaker with TD Detroit diesel, air brakes, and a 15 spd) Currently I'm using low range w/o hubs engaged for the steep stuff, but coming down has me worried!! (with an auto)

Bushy

I'm gonna throw my hat into the "auto" choice....
If you do the full swap over to the updated NV4500, 13 1/4" conversion clutch and so forth you're looking at some pretty respectible $$$$, even if you do most of the work.
For a decent and comparible price you can put in an upgraded auto/TC/VB etc that will more than do the job...you can even go to a lock-up convertor if you want to, although it is more expensive....

Do some poking around on the web, ask some guys what they're using/towing/carrying and their tranny setup....you will find that there are some excellent choices out there either way..

pb....