Joker, those newer truck 5 speeds are NV 3500-4500 trannies that have intergal clutch housing using the common small block Chevy bolt pattern, won't bolt up to a Stovebolt. Stand alone trannys like the T-5 ,various Saginaws, A833 4 spd OD will work as you know.I think 235 will pull a 2.73 gear ok if you are not in hilly country or use it for towing and have the correct first gear ratio.My 94 S10 has a OD 5 spd (NV3500),160 hp 4.3 engine with 2.73 gears, weighs about 200-300 lbs less than a typical AD truck.The first gear is 3.50, and it pulls a moderate load easily in OD unless going up hill of course.I think a stock 235 has about the same torque at low speeds as the newer 4.3(262 cubes), but the old truck has way more air drag at higher speeds than a low S10.A Saginaw car 4 spd with the 3.50 first gear would be fine with 2.73's, but think about you drive the truck, the 2.73's would lack acceleration in high gear, and a down shift to the next gear will have you reving up quite a bit at 60 mph.
