Tranny swap in an old truck

69gmc · October 30, 2004

Hi all, I am new here and I have a question.

I will soon be aquiring a 1969 GMC half ton step side, with a 327 in it. The question I have is how hard would it be to put the 4 speed from a corvette or something else with a 327 or other small block? The truck already has a 4 speed, but I have no use for the granny gear, and this will hardly see any use as a real truck. Also, since I am looking at doing a rebuild, what would you reccomend I bore/stroke it to? Is there a kit to stroke a 327? Also, I may not have too much time to do this as I am changing jobs, and I was wondering how much would this cost to pay someone for the swap? Also what about the rebuild? I am really looking to foreward to doing this project by myself, but it might be a while before I get that time so I am looking at all options.

Thanks to all in advance,

-Steve

69gmc · October 31, 2004

Do you guys think that I should post this on the classic truck sub-group as well?

-Steve

69gmc · October 31, 2004

Anyone at all?

-Steve

CHVYPWR · November 1, 2004

One of the biggest hang-up's on the tranny swap would be getting the cast iron (heavy as heck) granny gear 4spd out, along with the crossmember. The retainer that holds the shifter in can be a PITA, and the crossmember is held in with 3/8" steel rivits that will need to be cut off with a torch. Get that stuff out of your way and installing a 4-spd auto is pretty much a snap. You'll also need to find another drive shaft, or have one made since the granny tranny is much shorter than the auto one. As for the engine, I'd stick with the good ole 327 and tweek it up. Not too many people stick with the old 327's anymore, dare to be different!