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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,997 Big Bolt Forum Co-moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Co-moderator Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,997 | I was at a truck show on the weekend and saw a 1/2 ton truck with an S-10, T-5 transmission in it. Would this work in a Big Bolt and would it give you a little more road speed, or does the rear end limit that. Obviously, I don't know much about drive lines, so don't beat me up to badly if this is silly question.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | T-5 transmissions are not rated for large trucks, review last two day's comments. Changing the rear gears would be a start.
What ratio do you have now? What wheel bolt pattern do you have? What is the gross weight of your truck? What kind of loads of you plan? Do you have juice or air brakes? Do you plan on a show or work truck? Do you plan on much freeway driving?
These are some questions you might answer before deciding which route to follow. For example, look at trucks with similar GVW to yours. There are OD trans.' For several size trucks-NV-4500; RR RTO'; Eaton FSO, etc, depending on size of truck. Whatever trans you select, you might need to raise the diff. ratio.
Keep lurking on here.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,997 Big Bolt Forum Co-moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Co-moderator Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,997 | You told me all I wanted to know. I was checking to see if it would be a good idea for my 1948 two ton, that would be used to haul my antique tractor to shows. I am confident that the best thing would be stay stock. Thanks. I was just thinking of getting a little more roads speed.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton | | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 68 | That and the T-5 is like the weakest 5 speed trans you can get lol. Wont hold up for anything behind a 300+ hp sbc in a light vehicle. Ask me how I know :p
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Depending on your diff. ratio, and bolt pattern, a GM ff 14 bolt might work for you. Lots of ratios, strong, plentiful, cheap, however only comes in 8 on 6.5 bolt pattern.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 | you might also look at the Ranger overdrive unit. It goes between the bellhousing and transmission. I have one I am going to be putting in my 58 2-ton one of these days (just need to get around to it!) | | |
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