Elliot W
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2021
- Posts
- 161
- Reaction score
- 271
- Location
- CT
- First Name
- Elliot
- Truck Year
- 1974
- Truck Model
- C10
- Engine Size
- 5.3
Hi everyone I'm in a bind and can't figure out which transmission set up to go for my build and could really use some opinions. All opinions welcome. I'm building a 74 short bed with a 5.3LS stock motor. Intent for the truck will be to cruise to some local shows and maybe drive it one day a week. The truck is currently set up for a cable clutch and does not have a driveshaft. I'm on a relatively tight budget with this project so the T56 is out of the question.
The C10 came with a saginaw 3 speed. It seems to go into the gears just fine. It is leaking fluid from the real seal, so I have a seal kit on the way to replace the exterior seals. It looks like all I'd need to make this work is a $250 bellhousing kit w/fork etc., plus a clutch kit and pressure plate, and the driveshaft. I'll have to buy a clutch kit, pressure plate, driveshaft, and bellhousing regardless of the trans I choose. This Saginaw options works great for the budget, but I hear its relatively fragile, operability is undetermined, and there is no OD.
The other option I'm looking at is the AR-5. I can get one local for $350, and the conversion plate with bellhousing is about $500. This would probably be the time to make the switch to a hydraulic clutch too, which will add probably another $300 or so. Anybody have experience with FABbot fabrication and the AR-5 kit? This option is really interesting but I'm worried I'd get the kit and not be able to get any tech support since the company is bew and doesn't even list a phone number.
The other option I was looking at is the NV3500. They seem to be a dime a dozen locally, but only in the 4x4 model and I need the 4x2. If there is some way to easily and efficiently use a 4x4 NV3500 I'd be interested.
What route should I be going? Are the 5 speed options with hydraulic cable really worth the money?
Thank you all in advance for your time. I figure its best to think this one through before I spend the money on the driveshaft and clutch set up since I need to buy those anyways.
The C10 came with a saginaw 3 speed. It seems to go into the gears just fine. It is leaking fluid from the real seal, so I have a seal kit on the way to replace the exterior seals. It looks like all I'd need to make this work is a $250 bellhousing kit w/fork etc., plus a clutch kit and pressure plate, and the driveshaft. I'll have to buy a clutch kit, pressure plate, driveshaft, and bellhousing regardless of the trans I choose. This Saginaw options works great for the budget, but I hear its relatively fragile, operability is undetermined, and there is no OD.
The other option I'm looking at is the AR-5. I can get one local for $350, and the conversion plate with bellhousing is about $500. This would probably be the time to make the switch to a hydraulic clutch too, which will add probably another $300 or so. Anybody have experience with FABbot fabrication and the AR-5 kit? This option is really interesting but I'm worried I'd get the kit and not be able to get any tech support since the company is bew and doesn't even list a phone number.
The other option I was looking at is the NV3500. They seem to be a dime a dozen locally, but only in the 4x4 model and I need the 4x2. If there is some way to easily and efficiently use a 4x4 NV3500 I'd be interested.
What route should I be going? Are the 5 speed options with hydraulic cable really worth the money?
Thank you all in advance for your time. I figure its best to think this one through before I spend the money on the driveshaft and clutch set up since I need to buy those anyways.
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