'71 C-10 Manual Transmission Swap

[Mr. Rex]

I own a 1971 C-10 2WD longbed with 250 6-cylinder engine, 3.73 ratio differential, and 235/75 R-15 tires. Forty years ago (when I was younger and had more energy than experience) I swapped out the 3-speed Saginaw for a 4-speed from a 1970 GMC donor truck. At the time, I thought it was an SM 465. During the past few years it has begun to howl and whine and I felt that it needed an overhaul. I pulled it out of the truck and after close examination discovered it was a 1953 SM420. Now I would like to replace it with a 5-speed transmission.

Modern Driveline, Caldwell, ID has recommended a T-5z Tremec transmission originally meant for the Ford Mustang, along with the necessary parts and adapters. Does anyone have experience with this setup and any problems that I need to anticipate? Any advice, pictures, or stories would at least give me some perspective on the task that awaits me.

[geezer#99]

Look here.
He has a t5 info page.
He’s a member here too.


https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com/

[Mr. Rex]

thanks for the link. Some pretty good information here. Any advice on where a 1990 - 1992 S-10 T5 transmission may be found?

[typerr]

Originally Posted by Mr. Rex

thanks for the link. Some pretty good information here. Any advice on where a 1990 - 1992 S-10 T5 transmission may be found?

Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are going to be your best bets these days. I did the T-5 swap in my 70 a few years ago. I had a 350 at the time but the basics will be the same. If you want to keep the original truck bellhousing you will need the adapter ring which you can get from Advanced Adapters (you don't need a machine shop). I went with a world class T-5 but a regular S-10 T-5 should be fine behind an L6. Changing the old 3-speed to a modern 5-speed was the best mod I ever made to my truck! Good luck!

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by Mr. Rex

thanks for the link. Some pretty good information here. Any advice on where a 1990 - 1992 S-10 T5 transmission may be found?

Our pick-a-part has them from time to time.

[Mr. Rex]

I installed the T-5z transmission and I am quite pleased with the results. It definitely is an improvement from the Saginaw and the Muncie.

But I also need a new clutch linkage ball stud. This part supports the clutch cross lever on the engine side. It is Item #8 in the image that I linked below. LMC has one for a V8 engine, but I don't know if that would fit the inline 6 configuration. Any thoughts on where I might find one?

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by Mr. Rex

I installed the T-5z transmission and I am quite pleased with the results. It definitely is an improvement from the Saginaw and the Muncie.

But I also need a new clutch linkage ball stud. This part supports the clutch cross lever on the engine side. It is Item #8 in the image that I linked below. LMC has one for a V8 engine, but I don't know if that would fit the inline 6 configuration. Any thoughts on where I might find one?

The V8 Ball Stud is for K-model trucks only. 4 wheel drive. The L6 Pivot Ball is mounted on a bracket and bolted to the side of the block with two bolts.

Can the V8 K-type Ball Stud be mounted on the L6 bracket, if the original Stud is lost or damaged? Yes, I think so, but it would have to be tack welded on, as it can't thread in.