3speed to Nv 3500 swap

[hugger6933]

To CSGAS in post # 24 I think, you are correct the NV3500 did use a hyd throw out after a certain year model break that I can't recall now after I started typing, [dang] I do remember the S trucks went to that in the 1996 model year but I the full sized trucks did it much later maybe as late as when they changed the body style in 1999?

[Shanks]

Hey guys! I am new to the board. I just got a 68 with a 250 6cyl and a 3 speed in the floor (converted from column by PO). The rear-end is 308. It is a nightmare to take off in. I would love to convert it to a 4 speed with a bull-dog, or a late-model 5 speed. However, I am not sure what to look for. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by Shanks

Hey guys! I am new to the board. I just got a 68 with a 250 6cyl and a 3 speed in the floor (converted from column by PO). The rear-end is 308. It is a nightmare to take off in. I would love to convert it to a 4 speed with a bull-dog, or a late-model 5 speed. However, I am not sure what to look for. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

The NV3500 or 4500 have a lower first gear than you currently have so it should take off better than your current set up. You need to watch out, with those 3:08 and your 6 cylinder it may start to get a little weak kneed on the top end depending on the diameter of the tires you run.....send me the following information and I will email you a spread sheet which shows usable torque to the ground for different engines with different rear ends, transmissions, rear axle ratios.......and speed in final drive at 2000rpm, 3000, 4000rpm

1. engine

2. trans

3. rear axle ratio

4. diameter of rear tires (ground to top of tire)

5. your email address

I will send you the sheet so you can see the performance with a lot of different combinations.....Kieth pm me on the board

[CSGAS]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

To CSGAS in post # 24 I think, you are correct the NV3500 did use a hyd throw out after a certain year model break that I can't recall now after I started typing, [dang] I do remember the S trucks went to that in the 1996 model year but I the full sized trucks did it much later maybe as late as when they changed the body style in 1999?

Cool...Before I do my swap, I'll check out the feasability (depending on what I find at the local "pick-it-yer-own-d@3^-self" yard) of buying a S-10 throwout at the parts store and using it on a 1500 input shaft.

BTW, one of the reasons I was taken aack was because I knew the S-10 NV3500's have a long tailshaft, longer than the 1500 NV3500's, probably to help driveshaft angles, and I had previously planned on using one of those in order to change to a one-piece shaft and feel comfortable--but less cost makes me even more comfortable

[CSGAS]

I may not be doing this as soon as I thought, the pieces just aren't falling into place in time :-P but I found out a few things. There are different input shaft lengths to consider and the VSS signals go direct to a speedometer in the early models but have to go through a computer first, after '96. Not giving up, but it just won't be the one-week, bolt it in and test it deal I was hoping (dreaming?) it would be

[elf w/capital T]

awesome write up, im doing the same swap! what is that part that goes through the pedal arm to the rod?

i have the rod but not the part attaching it to the pedal arm anyone?

[ta2ed]

Hey elf, I don't know what it's actually called but I had pedal assembly from donor truck. It kinda looks like a rivet head on the inside of the
Pedal arm. I simply ground the head off and took a hammer and punch and knocked it out. I then took my pedal drilled a hole in it inserted the pivot (what I'm gonna call it) then welded the back side of it the the pedal arm. If there's anything I can help you with Im me
Frank

[ta2ed]

I also have a72 k5 4x4 with a 3ott I'm thinking of doing the same swap with, might be a little tougher since it's a 4x4 but I will find out lol

[rocks409]

This is probably a dumb question, but, is it necessary to use the hyd. slave cyl or,, can one just take out the old 3 speed and install the 5 speed and use the existing clutch, bellhousing and linkage? I have no complaints about the clutch pedal pressure so I might be interested in the swap if its just a trans. change. Thanks

[ta2ed]

As far as I know you'd have to go hydraulic the trannys I rhave seen are 1 piece with bell housing made on the trans.

[elf w/capital T]

I lucked out on my swap, (atleast with the new clutch and flywheel i purchased last year) the same tooth and clutch will fit... 168 tooth, 10 tooth on the new input shaft, and same with the starter, only set back was having to drill out metal type bondo in the block for the starter! Thanks previous owners UGHH,


Just ordered my BN pre-filled M/C - HYD LINE - S/C - ASSY rockauto had a dorman for cheap! Oreilys has one listed but i called and they said they will have to get back to me...special order...


Now stripping the new high hump piece i got up and welding the 4x4 hole (wont need that!!) and waiting on word regarding the correct spot needed for the nv3500 shifter location. You guys rock, thanks for all of the info!!

[elf w/capital T]

There are newer styles of the nv3500 that you have the slave cylinder IN the bellhousing, but as far as i know 88-95...ish have the mc and sc outside tied together

[elf w/capital T]

@ ta2ed, thanks for the help so far, hope you dont mind, i will be picking your brain regarding this swap :-D

[elf w/capital T]

Saw the picture above and inspired me to make my shifter stick look stock.

Instead of using the ugly bulky looking 90s shifter stick! now i can use a boot from our era!!



I made it so I can screw off the 60's stick!

Thought I would share.



oh hey look, five bucks! (cool story huh)

[elf w/capital T]

any one have a non carpet'ed high hump photo to where I can use as reference, i am waiting parts to install and want to make my new high hump hole correct... with a SBC motor if anyone does!! Thanks

[elf w/capital T]

yikes, no one on the forum does these swap anymore ey? ha!

[elf w/capital T]

Okay, tried to throw in the motor and trans, but is hitting on the original crossmember, where the slave cylinder mold on the nv3500, ta2ed, you did mention the tailshaft area is different, im not there yet, but did you have to cut or remove the original crossmember?

[elf w/capital T]

Stupid me, no need for the original Saginaw trans crossmember. Removed, I'll stop posting on this thread since nobody even wants to do this swap anymore! Hahaha but for anyone who does I hope my posting helps!

[low73]

Great write up I'm looking into this swap myself. Elf any more complications that you have ran into?

[ta2ed]

Hey Elf, how's it going? Did you get your trans swapped out & on the road? I've been busier than sh*t working on my k5. Have made a lot of headway, but still haven't gotten around to swapping out the trans yet.

[elf w/capital T]

Haha its cool, been working, working and working myself.... truck wont be road worthy in a year or so....BUT.... got a STOCK AUTO TRANS CROSSMEMBER, CUT THE UPPER ARMS OFF,USED A JACK AND GOT A SPACER of 1 inch steel tubing, WITH THE MOUNT ill post again because i dont want my typing to get lost while i look up PN!!

[elf w/capital T]

Prothane 7-1604. Aargh I forgot i had to find longer bolts 20 thread count to makke up for the EXTRA 1 inch spacer for a cleaner driveshaft angle, and yes GOT RID OF THE ORIG saggy trans member....ask for pics if you need!!

[elf w/capital T]

Sorry guys no photos yet, been trying to deal with 7 days of work, and body work.

Anyone know where I can get a flywheel dust cover? I've been looking and having no luck.....and no time to go to the yards and just pull one. ..

[Cocano43]

Im in the process of doing this swap on my 64 Chevy from the sm465 to th I got a 94 Chevy parts truck. this tread has been real helpful the e nv3500 crossmember out of the 94 works just had to cut it narrow to fit but it looks like it looks like it’s going to work. I do have to get drive shaft shortened but I think when it’s all done it will be a nice weekend crusier
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[999Tinman]

Hi guys
So how has the nv3500 held up? I have a 88 or 89 getrag 290 and am going to do the swap in my 72 c20. Just a retired farm truck that's now a cruiser. Any advice?