Tranny swap in 80 chev 4x4

[4x4 chevy]

I am looking for some input on what my best plans are. I have owned a 1980 chev 4x4 short box for about six years now, and am taking the truck apart and doing a frame off restoration on it, I am looking for some info on what to do with the transmission, I am putting a ZZ383 from GM performance in the thruck and would like a different tranny. It has the stock manual bulldog low transmission in it now. I would prefer a transmission that I can bolt right in, in place of the stock. Thanks

[randy78]

hi there

well theres a problem since its a 4x4 and since the output shaft of your CH465 trans (top loaded granny first gear) is 10 spline and a unique length you will need to replace the input gear of your transfer case with a 27 or 32 spline to use a th350/700r4 or th400

and also get the right adapter plus the right length driveshafts and auto column and linkage parts for that, and so on and so forth

personally i love the 465 trannies and wish i had another one i miss driving them so much, and you cannot find a top loader shift truck anymore, all gone to shredder long ago

sad

last one i had was a 83 K-20 all original under 100k miles spent all its life off road in an orchard and it had VERY minor rust compared to all the rest its age around here i only gave 200 for it and drove it away all it needed was a better carb it was too rich

my first 4 speed toploader truck was a 68 c-30 dually

or maybe it was another truck before that,

i have forgotten now

68 was the first year for the 465

88 was the last


what kind of trans you looking for ?

a non-grany first gear top loader like a NP 436CR ?

or automatic ?

or ?

you wont be able to put a side loader in it such as an SM326(69-up trucks and some big cars) fully synch 3 speed or a muncie 4 speed car trans in it with it being a 4x4

so.,,


auto is really gonna be your only feasible option but it will take a good deal of money and parts scrounging to put it all together,

a donor truck will be the way to go to save so much time headache and cost


if such can be found in your area

unlike here


good luck