I mess around with T5 transmissions and own several. They seem to be affordable and re-buildable. They can be modified for many applications.
I'll get right to the point. Using a Jeep 10 spline T5 input shaft in place of the stock S10 input shaft is a BEAUTIFUL solution and IMPROVEMENT to the T5 for use in old trucks. Read more background below.
Jeep IS on right - S10 shaft on left Jeep shaft marked at 8.75" Jeep shaft in place (Since this is a trial fitment, I did not install a bearing on the Jeep shaft). Jeep shaft installed with bearing retainer with a shorter sleeve. My 10 spline clutch package matches I think I have the clutch disc on backwards, but you understand. Last night I did a swap that I read about here on the Stovebolt. I don't know who to give credit to, but this is a really nice solution to an old problem.
The S10 T5 has an input shaft that is about 5/8" too long to use in an older Chevy truck with the V8 bell housing. Another problem is that the S10 IS splines are not cut very far along the length of the shaft. To overcome these 2 problems, different vendors have designed adapter plates to back the T5 away from the bell about 1/2". That solves the problem. Buy an S10 T5 + adapter plate + an Astro van clutch kit and you pretty much have what you need.
The Jeep shaft swap idea has several advantages over the adapter plate.
1. New Jeep shaft and bearing is less than $90 (Adapter plate is $160)
2. Use the original 10 spline clutch kit. No Astro van kit to search for.
3. The Jeep shaft is thicker (i.e. stronger) than the S10 shaft.
4. Will work with all S10 T5s with 21 gear teeth, even a WC T5 if you use a brass blocker ring.
5. This works because the splines on the Jeep shaft are cut further along the length of the shaft than the S10 splines.
I plan to do a DIY thread on my BLOG. More later.
