The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop tranny swap

I have the chance to get an automatic tranny from a '96 S-10. Would it be a good one for my '50 3/4 ton? I still have the 216 in it.

Probably not, that transmission is computer controlled to begin with, the bellhousing bolt pattern is different. These are just a few of the obstacles.

If you want an automatic, I would look at a Chevy Powerglide. Things will fit. However, I would think twice before putting an auto behind a 216 in a 3/4 ton. I'm afraid you would become a moving road block.

So, to get my truck to run 55-60 mph, would it be best to swap axles instead of transmissions?

An SM318 3 speed with a Borg Warner overdrive will do well with the 4.57 rears you have now. It will cut your revs by 30% in OD. 4.10 rears were available on some later 3/4 tons, but they are getting difficult to find and you don't gain much. Going to a much later complete rear axle will mismatch your front and rear brakes.

Or a T5 from an S10 pick up, if your not doing any heavy lifting with the truck... Or a 700R4 with an adapter plate... Or an NV4500 or A833... Lots of options. Some easier than others. T5 is easiest, but probably the weakest unless you get a World Class one from a Camaro and swap the tailshaft for one from a V6 S10...

That 216 will pull a load just fine at slow speeds. If you need more speed, swap the 216 for a 235 or 261, and find an OD transmission.

Was there a reason you are leaning towards an automatic?

The automatic was just an option I was entertaining because I was talking to someone about wanting to go the speed limit.
The T5 from an S-10 sounds like the better swap. There are kits for making this swap, also. Right?
It's a fun truck to drive as it is right now. If I can get it to run with the flow of traffic it would be even better.

Howdy neighbor. The T-5 is your best bet unless you are going to be doing some HD trucking, but I dont think you could hurt ona with a 216 unless you really tried. You dont need a kit. Just search the tech tips & posts. There has been A world of info on that swap. I have done 2 of them & i am in the middle of another one now. Mine have all been Task Force trucks which are a little easier. Bowtietim is on this website a lot. He is in this area & has done 2 of them in AD trucks. If you need help we will help you.

Thank you very much! There are a few mid-80's S-10 junkers sitting around in my area. I'll start on them. I found a list of favorable model numbers and their original applications. If I can find a tranny, what should I expect to pay?

I'm sure you realize the best bet is one with a mech. speedo drive. 88 up had the elec. speedo. My favorite is 1352-145. It has good ratios this kind of truck. The prices are all over the place. The pick & pull lots get $80-100. Full service lots want $250 up. An individual may be somewhere in between.

Is that model number stamped on the case?

Here's a good tech article from the HAMB about T5 swapping.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171291

NO. It is on a tag under one of the bolts that attach the rear houseing. Sometimes it is on top of the trans on a white sticker. It is ofteh hard to read on the tag. It seems they get rusty before they start leaking oil. It is in the lower left corner of the tag. It always starts with 1352-xxx. There are websites that break down that number tells what the application was & the gear ratio's.
There is plenty of info on this website on the swap & a lot of fellow Stovebolters have done it & will help.