The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop T5 transmission with a 235?

Hi all.. Recently I had a thread going on gas mileage for a 1962 1/2 ton 235.. Everyone was extremely helpful and I ended up swapping out my stock rear which had a 3.90 R&P, with a 1969 rear that had 3.07 R&P.. What a difference..!! I'm stoked with the results.. Still running 25 inch tires but was thinking of upgrading my rim size so I could get a taller but thin tire on there.. Maybe 27"s instead?

Anyway, now my attention is drawn towards my transmission.. Currently running the stock 4 speed with the granny.. Not exactly sure this is the right tranny to be running with my new rear end..? I think I may have better choices.. Was hoping for some input and suggestions from you guys again..

My application is very light duty.. No heavy hauling save for a toolbox and some light aluminum ladders.. My main goal is to make things easy on my motor, good fuel economy and practical daily driving.. About 50% freeway and 50% in the city..
I was thinking a T5 perhaps? Anyone with experience or suggestions would be appreciated..

I guess my only concern is not making the engine lug.. So maybe I upgrade the tranny and keep the smaller tires or? I don't know.. That's why I'm posting..
I do like the manual transmission.. Maybe there is a good 5 speed i can use or a 4 speed without the granny?

Thanks, Richie Blue

if you like the change, I would leave it as is..

Why not just drive it for a while and see what you think of it the way it is. Over time you'll discover something you'll wish you had and then tailor the mod to fit your needs.

As far a "lugging" your engine, don't worry about it unless it becomes a serious problem in your everyday use of the truck.

That SM420 is a rock crusher of a tranny and essentially a fully syncro 3-speed which should be totally adequate for daily use. Remember that these things came with 3-speeds that were only syncro in second and third. I have an SM420 in mine and wouldn't think of swapping it out.

Thanks for the input so far.. I do like the SM420 I have.. It is a bit noisy and wines.. I don't know if thats the way it's suppose to sound or not? It functions very well and it has plenty of transmission fluid in it.. so I assume that is how they are suppose to sound? Or perhaps it is time to rebuild it or get a new one? Anyway, I have gone through just about everything in the truck from front to rear with the exception of the transmission.. I thought it my last frontier on this truck save for the body and tires..
If I need to get into the transmission I figured while I had it out I may as well check my options?