Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Zone47 · 06-23-2017, 07:37 PM

Mine is a turbo 400 which is a pretty good auto, but I always thought a 4 speed would be cooler. It would be a ton of work to convert though.

What are you running and what is your first choice?

**Ironhorse** · 06-23-2017, 08:13 PM

First choice for me would be what I originally had, '71 Fleetside long bed K10 4x4, 350 with sm465 4 speed and locking hubs. Drove my truck like that for many, many years until finally Arthur(itis) got to my knees making really rough on the old man to push the clutch in traffic. Could not wrap around the idea of getting rid of my 'ol truck and swapped in a TH350. Still love the truck but do miss my 4 speed. For me, I can live with the auto but still miss my 4 speed. Just turned 68 in April, swapped my trans 2 years ago.

**Stocker** · 06-23-2017, 08:26 PM

My K20 has a TH350, simply because that's what was in it when I bought it used. I would have been just as happy with a manual. They each have their strong points and I don't really prefer one over the other.

CG · 06-23-2017, 09:16 PM

My first two K-trucks had four speeds with granny first. My current K has auto ... I like it more. My body likes it more haha. But I can see where maybe you can get more versatility out of a four speed. I had to use granny a couple of times and it was pretty nice. But maybe shifting an auto in to low would be the same?

96blazr · 06-23-2017, 09:23 PM

Had a 66 Suburban with a 350 with a M21 4-speed. It was fun......for a while, but after a while it got tiresome.
When I got my 68 SWB I made sure it was an auto. It's all a personal choice, but I've had both.
If I had a pure race/strip/road course type then yeah, but Give me an automatic any day.

**jocko** · 06-23-2017, 09:43 PM

Depends on what you do with the truck. I had a 3 OTT then 5-speed T5 in a 66 swb because it was kind of a little hot rod scoot-around truck. In anything 67-72, I prefer an automatic, because I'm more likely to drive it to work, hit traffic, or actually use it for something around the back 40. I like shifting my own, but have to agree with above post, the fun factor can wear off over time (and perhaps with age for some). Also, having broken, ruptured, or fractured various parts of either leg, it came in handy to have an automatic to still be able to drive to work. Have had some injuries where there's no way I could have driven a manual for awhile. Being on my own at the time, that became an important decision. Seems like a corner-case until it's in your corner

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 06-23-2017, 09:46 PM

Automatic, no question.

If a custom "sport truck" with upgraded suspension and lots of HP, then 4-speed, no question.

72chevynut · 06-23-2017, 10:55 PM

I'm blessed to own K models with both auto and 4 speed transmissions. Not really a preference to me, I just enjoy driving the ole trucks. I do get a lot of positive feedback when people see my orange truck (And it's 4 speed - Cool!! they say). I guess because you don't see many trucks anymore with a stick shifts. When restoring, I've always kept stock setup except for one blazer I did several years ago. I converted it from 3-on-tree due to shifting problems to auto, and only to auto because of the extra parts I had available at the time.

El Dorado Jim · 06-24-2017, 01:30 AM

I prefer 4 spd transmissions in my old chevy trucks....I removed automatics in my 72 and my 74 and put in sm 465 trans with 205 t-cases..

Marine-58 · 06-24-2017, 03:09 PM

Interesting question. I grew up learning to drive with only manual trans. Still lean that way but in getting older, it is easy to appreciate an auto when stuck in traffic. Many years ago, I swapped out a TH350 for an M-22 in a Camaro. Wasn't that hard, actually did everything in the barracks parking lot in one long day. Sue wouldn't try that now but is was worth it then.

I have been thinking of swapping the TH400 currently in my 72 C10. Howver would not go with a 4 speed, probably a 5 or 6 speed. My 69 Vette has the 6 speed out of a Camaro and having the 2 od's is nice. Not that I would want to take the truck to 150+. Not quite that brave...

But it would be nice to take the rear gears to 4.11's and still be able to drive highway speeds.

Not sure an of this rambling helps any, just my preferences...

67ChevyRedneck · 06-24-2017, 04:09 PM

If I'm going to spend my time and money to do a conversion, it's going to have to have several benefits, so if I went from an Auto to Manual it would be for a 5 or 6 speed only.

I swapped my 65 Mustang from a C4 auto (no OD) to a modern T5, best upgrade I've done to the car.

Warrens69GMC · 06-24-2017, 04:12 PM

Driving with my wife - automatic
Driving by myself or friends (male) - standard

**Grumpy old man** · 06-24-2017, 05:52 PM

Automatics are for girls

Zone47 · 06-24-2017, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96blazr

Had a 66 Suburban with a 350 with a M21 4-speed. It was fun......for a while, but after a while it got tiresome.
When I got my 68 SWB I made sure it was an auto. It's all a personal choice, but I've had both.
If I had a pure race/strip/road course type then yeah, but Give me an automatic any day.

That's good to hear because I was wondering the same thing... if after a while I'd get tired of shifting the thing. It's not like these have easy to push hydraulic clutches.

**Canuckvetter** · 06-24-2017, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Automatics are for girls

Then I guess I have one "Girl's Truck" and definitely one MAN's truck. MANual brakes, MANual steering, MANual windows, MANual choke, MANual transmission.

Greg58 · 06-24-2017, 11:40 PM

I've always had something with a clutch around, my 70 GMC is a 4 speed and that wasn't a deal breaker.
Look on the bright side, a lot of people can't drive a stick, so the chances of theft are reduced...

Greg

Warrens69GMC · 06-24-2017, 11:54 PM

3ott or double clutch (ing) is foreign to 95+% of people....

In The Ten Ring · 06-25-2017, 01:26 AM

3 speed on the column preferred 4 speed in floor OK. Best if these are the original transmissions.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-25-2017, 02:41 AM

I much prefer the SM465 to any automatic. I had a '67 K/10 Suburban w/454/TH350/NP205. Not original, but the PO's junkyard scores. My main gripe with this set-up was, the drum brakes sucked, but I could not use downshifting for engine-braking with it effectively. The tranny would just shift back into high on its own. Never sure how to fix that, but with bad brakes, that thing is better off not on the road anymore.
I have 465s in the 2 trucks that run.

hitower · 06-25-2017, 08:53 AM

I'm having this same dilemma in my head right now. My old motor is tired and I'm getting ready to drop in a fresh motor. Currently I have the SM 465 in my 71 4x4 K20. I was thinking of getting around a 300 hp motor for it, but am thinking if the Hp will be useless behind the 465 with the long throws and big gear spacing. I have been saving a Turbo 350 and NP 205 setup if I do want to convert it to automatic behind the new motor.

palallin · 06-25-2017, 08:58 AM

Had both, prefer the standard (despite my advancing age).

RustyBucket · 06-25-2017, 10:23 AM

I have one stick & 1 auto. The stick is more fun. Both have O.D. and pretty low first gears, which make them pretty responsive off the line even with 3.08 gears. Both also cruise easy at interstate speeds. The 700r4 in the GMC shifts into O.D. at about 50mph. I've taught several people to drive a stick with the Blazer. Light effort hyd. clutch and a real torquey BB make it real easy to drive, have to try pretty hard to stall it.

**painterljp** · 06-25-2017, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Automatics are for girls

What is wrong with girls

**70cst** · 06-25-2017, 01:18 PM

Turbo 400 which I have makes drinking

much easier.

leftybass209 · 06-25-2017, 01:35 PM

I have a 700r4. I wanted to cruise without the fuss of shifting in traffic and I didn't want to climb back under it to change a clutch when the truck is finished and i'm enjoying it.
People can muster up any silly joke they want about automatics, it doesn't bother me. I've got some choice opinions about crap I see on these trucks all the time, sometimes the most and only lovable thing about them is their manual trans!

06-23-2017, 07:37 PM	#1
Zone47 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Richfield, Oh Posts: 112	Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Mine is a turbo 400 which is a pretty good auto, but I always thought a 4 speed would be cooler. It would be a ton of work to convert though. What are you running and what is your first choice?

06-23-2017, 08:13 PM	#2
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,045	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? First choice for me would be what I originally had, '71 Fleetside long bed K10 4x4, 350 with sm465 4 speed and locking hubs. Drove my truck like that for many, many years until finally Arthur(itis) got to my knees making really rough on the old man to push the clutch in traffic. Could not wrap around the idea of getting rid of my 'ol truck and swapped in a TH350. Still love the truck but do miss my 4 speed. For me, I can live with the auto but still miss my 4 speed. Just turned 68 in April, swapped my trans 2 years ago. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

06-23-2017, 08:26 PM	#3
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,499	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? My K20 has a TH350, simply because that's what was in it when I bought it used. I would have been just as happy with a manual. They each have their strong points and I don't really prefer one over the other. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

06-23-2017, 09:16 PM	#4
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,786	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? My first two K-trucks had four speeds with granny first. My current K has auto ... I like it more. My body likes it more haha. But I can see where maybe you can get more versatility out of a four speed. I had to use granny a couple of times and it was pretty nice. But maybe shifting an auto in to low would be the same? __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

06-23-2017, 09:23 PM	#5
96blazr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: VA Posts: 740	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Had a 66 Suburban with a 350 with a M21 4-speed. It was fun......for a while, but after a while it got tiresome. When I got my 68 SWB I made sure it was an auto. It's all a personal choice, but I've had both. If I had a pure race/strip/road course type then yeah, but Give me an automatic any day. __________________ 1968 SWB. GMPP 350/350 Turbo Trans, Edelbrock Performer & Carb. Hedman Hedders, Hooker Aerochambers Mufflers. Tuff Stuff Alternators. Remember, no matter where you go, There you are. Gary

06-23-2017, 09:43 PM	#6
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,936	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Depends on what you do with the truck. I had a 3 OTT then 5-speed T5 in a 66 swb because it was kind of a little hot rod scoot-around truck. In anything 67-72, I prefer an automatic, because I'm more likely to drive it to work, hit traffic, or actually use it for something around the back 40. I like shifting my own, but have to agree with above post, the fun factor can wear off over time (and perhaps with age for some). Also, having broken, ruptured, or fractured various parts of either leg, it came in handy to have an automatic to still be able to drive to work. Have had some injuries where there's no way I could have driven a manual for awhile. Being on my own at the time, that became an important decision. Seems like a corner-case until it's in your corner

06-23-2017, 09:46 PM	#7
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,129	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Automatic, no question. If a custom "sport truck" with upgraded suspension and lots of HP, then 4-speed, no question. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s details such as OEM identifications& part numbers, written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

06-23-2017, 10:55 PM	#8
72chevynut Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Mt.Sterling, KY Posts: 673	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I'm blessed to own K models with both auto and 4 speed transmissions. Not really a preference to me, I just enjoy driving the ole trucks. I do get a lot of positive feedback when people see my orange truck (And it's 4 speed - Cool!! they say). I guess because you don't see many trucks anymore with a stick shifts. When restoring, I've always kept stock setup except for one blazer I did several years ago. I converted it from 3-on-tree due to shifting problems to auto, and only to auto because of the extra parts I had available at the time. __________________ Michael

06-24-2017, 01:30 AM	#9
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I prefer 4 spd transmissions in my old chevy trucks....I removed automatics in my 72 and my 74 and put in sm 465 trans with 205 t-cases..

06-24-2017, 03:09 PM	#10
Marine-58 Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 130	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Interesting question. I grew up learning to drive with only manual trans. Still lean that way but in getting older, it is easy to appreciate an auto when stuck in traffic. Many years ago, I swapped out a TH350 for an M-22 in a Camaro. Wasn't that hard, actually did everything in the barracks parking lot in one long day. Sue wouldn't try that now but is was worth it then. I have been thinking of swapping the TH400 currently in my 72 C10. Howver would not go with a 4 speed, probably a 5 or 6 speed. My 69 Vette has the 6 speed out of a Camaro and having the 2 od's is nice. Not that I would want to take the truck to 150+. Not quite that brave... But it would be nice to take the rear gears to 4.11's and still be able to drive highway speeds. Not sure an of this rambling helps any, just my preferences... __________________ 72 Chevy C10 383/465 69 Corvette convertible 454/650

06-24-2017, 04:09 PM	#11
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? If I'm going to spend my time and money to do a conversion, it's going to have to have several benefits, so if I went from an Auto to Manual it would be for a 5 or 6 speed only. I swapped my 65 Mustang from a C4 auto (no OD) to a modern T5, best upgrade I've done to the car. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

06-24-2017, 04:12 PM	#12
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Driving with my wife - automatic Driving by myself or friends (male) - standard

06-24-2017, 05:52 PM	#13
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Automatics are for girls

06-24-2017, 11:40 PM	#16
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 997	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I've always had something with a clutch around, my 70 GMC is a 4 speed and that wasn't a deal breaker. Look on the bright side, a lot of people can't drive a stick, so the chances of theft are reduced... Greg __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.

06-24-2017, 11:54 PM	#17
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? 3ott or double clutch (ing) is foreign to 95+% of people....



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06-25-2017, 01:26 AM	#18
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? 3 speed on the column preferred 4 speed in floor OK. Best if these are the original transmissions.

06-25-2017, 02:41 AM	#19
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,060	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I much prefer the SM465 to any automatic. I had a '67 K/10 Suburban w/454/TH350/NP205. Not original, but the PO's junkyard scores. My main gripe with this set-up was, the drum brakes sucked, but I could not use downshifting for engine-braking with it effectively. The tranny would just shift back into high on its own. Never sure how to fix that, but with bad brakes, that thing is better off not on the road anymore. I have 465s in the 2 trucks that run. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

06-25-2017, 08:53 AM	#20
hitower Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 14	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I'm having this same dilemma in my head right now. My old motor is tired and I'm getting ready to drop in a fresh motor. Currently I have the SM 465 in my 71 4x4 K20. I was thinking of getting around a 300 hp motor for it, but am thinking if the Hp will be useless behind the 465 with the long throws and big gear spacing. I have been saving a Turbo 350 and NP 205 setup if I do want to convert it to automatic behind the new motor.

06-25-2017, 08:58 AM	#21
palallin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. James, MO Posts: 1,239	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Had both, prefer the standard (despite my advancing age). __________________ '69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt.

06-25-2017, 10:23 AM	#22
RustyBucket Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Space Coast, Fl. Posts: 1,050	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I have one stick & 1 auto. The stick is more fun. Both have O.D. and pretty low first gears, which make them pretty responsive off the line even with 3.08 gears. Both also cruise easy at interstate speeds. The 700r4 in the GMC shifts into O.D. at about 50mph. I've taught several people to drive a stick with the Blazer. Light effort hyd. clutch and a real torquey BB make it real easy to drive, have to try pretty hard to stall it. __________________ Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!!

06-25-2017, 01:18 PM	#24
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? Turbo 400 which I have makes drinking much easier. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

06-25-2017, 01:35 PM	#25
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,186	Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck? I have a 700r4. I wanted to cruise without the fuss of shifting in traffic and I didn't want to climb back under it to change a clutch when the truck is finished and i'm enjoying it. People can muster up any silly joke they want about automatics, it doesn't bother me. I've got some choice opinions about crap I see on these trucks all the time, sometimes the most and only lovable thing about them is their manual trans!

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