The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop S-10 Transmission

Hi guys,

I'm new to this great site. I have searched the site for s-10 tranny swaps and found some great info. But I need some clarification. I found a 5 speed tranny out of a 1983 s-10. But, it comes with a np207 transfer case. Can I take off the transfer case and be ok for the swap? Or should I leave the transfer case on and will it still work?

I need to know if it will work before I go and buy it. Your help is much appreciated, thanks---

To answer your question: If you're building up a 2 wheel drive truck.....no, you don't want/need that 4wd transmission.

I hate to tell you to "search" as there is a ton of info on the T5 swap but you'd better arm yourself with some good info before you start plunking down your cash for boxes that won't fit your needs.

Understand that there are different OD ratios from T5's from behind the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder S10 engines, and that the older boxes (up to 1988) were set up for mechanical speedos. The newer boxes are electronic speedos. It is important to have the correct OD gear ratio to match with your trucks current ring & pinion/ tire diameter so you can fully utilize your 5th gear on your specific type of driving.

I've made the conversion in my 54 truck using an 85 S10 box and also have modified the Camaro/Firebird T5, which has closer gearing for use in my current project vehicle. Check out my webshots "Shoebox and Tips and Tricks" albums for info that might help you make the necessary modifications for the S10 t5 modifications.

It's also important to understand that upgrading to a more favorable set of road gears will require you to address an upgrade for brakes, lighting and a myriad of other driveability and safety factors.

Dave

what do you want to do with it?
what vehicle,eng and rear axle and perhaps someone here can help you with the selection
ron

I have a 1958 Chevy Apache Fleetside (short-wide). It has the original stovebolt, original tranny, and rear axle. I'm going to flip the rear axle and flip the front axle. I want this thing on the ground!

I just want to be able to drive it and have a reliable transmission. It will not be a freeway truck, it will be a rat rod. I'm not too concerned with gear ratios as long as I can hit 50 mph. I can figure out the correct pinion angle. I will work on better brakes within the month.

Anyways, I just need a tranny that works and is reliable, and an s-10 tranny would be pretty cool, and from what I read, it would be easy too. So why can't I use a tranny with a transfer case, and just not use the transfer case? As long as the tranny is the same, who cares?

All advice is highly appreciated. And for FLA54, I have searched this site and have difficulty finding anything related to the transfer case. It seems to me that when I type something in "advanced search" I receive topics that don't match at all. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, or maybe it's the search engine.

is someone giving you this trans for nothing which is why you want to install it.el cheapo?
tranfer case is for 4 wheel drive and you have a 2 w/d...you do not need it; it doesn't do you any good and it will be a lot more work to install than just the normal T5. someone else has already told you not to use it.
you can reach 50mph with the orig trans quite easily
ron

Just use the search function and type in T5. then spend a better part of a full 8 hours reading the related posts

You can't just "not use the transfer case". The rear housing and output shaft on the 4x4 trans is different from the 2wd trans. Unless you plan on doing a 4x4, I would pass. I also read your plans for lowering the truck. I would not advise lowering the front in the manner you describe. While it will work, you will loose pretty much all of the suspension travel, and may end up with severe handling problems. A drop axle would be much better. Again, search the site for "Drop Axles", you'll find a wealth of info on who to contact and how to set one up. The rear should work fine with a flip, but expect to have to add a C notch to allow for axle clearance.
As far as hitting 50 mph is concerned, that can be accomplished with the stock trans. Running that speed for any length of time is another story, although i do it myself on a regular basis in 3rd gear with mine. 3.90 rear gears and 30" tires. It'll run it all day long, but runs better in overdrive (factory BW overdrive). That may be another option for you, as those transmissions are relatively easy to find.

Longbox,

Thanks for the great advice! That's exactly what I was looking for! I will pass on the S-10 tranny, and stick with my original equipment. Also, your advice on lowering is great.

I want this thing LOW. Will 4 inches in the front put me where I want to be? I guess there is only one way to find out!

Also, with that drop axle, would that create any issue if I put an aftermarket disc brake to it?

http://www.performanceonline.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16775&cat=1061&page=1

Fink- If you want the bumpers scraping the gound the only way to do it and be driveable is air bags. You can get a "classic" drop with a drop axle, lowered leaves and a flip in the rear, but it won't look like the trucks on magazine covers sitting on the ground. Figure on probably 6" drop front and rear old school style, using both an axle and springs in front and a rear flip.

Devin

55 Tractor,

I realize that it will not be "on the ground." I apologize for my poor wording. If I can lower it 6" I will be a happy camper. I will update later with pics from my project. Man this is a great site!

Much info ,on the T5 swap , can be found at www.inliners.org ! Click on the T5 page .