83 stepside

[rusted nuts]

Welcome from Far West Pa.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Very nice! Welcome, a later NV3500 would probably be the best choice to go 5-speed if you're keeping it a mild engine

 

[410 John]

Still waiting on the title from the estate.
Daily 2002 Tahoe in the background.

 

[410 John]

I drove my truck around some yesterday. First day on the road, since I acquired it. I actually drove way back in the the 80’s when it was near new. Anyhow, now it’s mine.
Things to change list:
Lose the glass packs. I want the chambered sound
Remove the truck 4 speed. Switch to car style manual
Gear maybe, I’m pretty sure it has 2.73’s. A better trans may make these feel more fun. If not maybe 3.42’s?

 

[Ken B]

Good looking stepside

 

[TotalyHucked]

Definitely need a different trans, even more-so if you have the SM465. The overdrive 833 wouldn't really be any better, our R&D guy at work has one in his '67 Satellite with a mild 360 in front of it and it's a dog. A T5 would be ok if you get a V8 or World Class one and don't drive it like a maniac. I've had 3 Mustangs with the T5 or T45 version and beat the snot out of them, they were fine. A truck is heavier, that's what would eventually hurt a T5.

I'd say an NV3500 or an AR5 would be a better budget choice. Or if you can swing it, one of the new Tremec TKX's would be killer. For a gear swap, keep in mind your tire size too, a 3.42 would be great but if you plan to do 20s with a taller tire, I'd step up to a 3.73.

 

[410 John]

20’s are probably not on the horizon. I was just thinking of a regular car Saginaw 4 speed. I would lose the hanger bearing and have a driveshaft made.
I looked up trans gear ratios and this 2nd is lower than most regular firsts. I do understand that this 2nd is what you use as 1st most of the time.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Nice truck!

 

[410 John]

Took another pic on my street.

 

[410 John]

Went to a little local car cruise.