95 K1500 4L60E to 5 speed manual questions

sturmkatze · March 29, 2014

So, what would this take? When I look I see transmissions with and without integral bellhousing... what do I need? And really, exactly what will I need to do the conversion? Will I be able to use the transfer case, or do...

matt123 · April 1, 2014

in my opinion there is no reason to go through all the head ache of finding a swapping all the parts to go manual. to do a good clean swap you will need:

brake and clutch pedals and brackets

clutch master and slave cylinder

transmission, bell housing, clutch, flywheel.

clutch lines

steering column and instrument panel from a manual truck,

transfer case may interchange but will need drive lines.

Computer will need changed.

cross member usually needs changed

I think its only reasonable to swap if:

A: you have a parts truck that will have everything you need

B: its a offroad toy or beater and you dont care about the little things.

The trans you would be swaping in is a nv3500. Its a okay transmission but not really that tough. It was used in s10, jeep, and light duty full size. It you wanted something tougher you better option would be a nv4500 (its a 5 speed but first gear is granny low, so its good for off roading but really only has 4 usable gears) these came in the 3/4 and 1 tons. another option would be a borg warner t5. They are tough and common to find, how ever I dont know if they were available in 4wd vehicles, so you may have to make a adapter for the tcase.

The gm automatics are all quite strong and if you do break one replacements are cheap. Through a shift kit in it and a extra transcooler and you probably wont ever need another one. If you really feel that you need something stronger I would recommend upgrading to a 4l80e auto, they will be easier to find all the needed parts to swap and will be less work.

matt123 · April 1, 2014

Unless your truck is something really special, another and probably the best option if you insist you need a manual trans is selling your truck and buying another.

The manuals aren't real common but if you save a little money and can be without a truck for a week or two you can probably sells your truck and find a 5spd truck. maybe upgrade to a 2500 or one in better condition.

LeoS41280 · April 1, 2014

You will also need to make sure there is a place in the end of the crankshaft for a piolt bushing.

Hazoues · January 15, 2021

I have a 96 it already has a 5 speed what engine can i put on it

Hazoues · January 15, 2021

I have a 96 it already has a 5 speed what engine can i put on it

Gagliano7 · January 21, 2021

I put a 5.3 LS in my 1992 but it had a 383 stroker before that. Upgrading to a 6.0 LS in the spring.

StephenGD · May 22, 2021

I want to manual swap a 95 or 96? Think it's a 96 GMC Silverado 1500 with a fully bored out 383 stroker. I was talking to my mechanic friends and everyone said the nv4500 (would be my go to) is more of a diesel tranny meant for lower torque, and it would not be the best idea?! Any input??? Thanks!!! - Stephen

tammy linder · May 5, 2023

On 4/1/2014 at 2:25 PM, matt123 said:

Unless your truck is something really special, another and probably the best option if you insist you need a manual trans is selling your truck and buying another.

The manuals aren't real common but if you save a little money and can be without a truck for a week or two you can probably sells your truck and find a 5spd truck. maybe upgrade to a 2500 or one in better condition.

What about the wires for back up lights

tammy linder · May 5, 2023

On 4/1/2014 at 2:23 PM, matt123 said:

in my opinion there is no reason to go through all the head ache of finding a swapping all the parts to go manual. to do a good clean swap you will need:

brake and clutch pedals and brackets

clutch master and slave cylinder

transmission, bell housing, clutch, flywheel.

clutch lines

steering column and instrument panel from a manual truck,

transfer case may interchange but will need drive lines.

Computer will need changed.

cross member usually needs changed

I think its only reasonable to swap if:

A: you have a parts truck that will have everything you need

B: its a offroad toy or beater and you dont care about the little things.

The trans you would be swaping in is a nv3500. Its a okay transmission but not really that tough. It was used in s10, jeep, and light duty full size. It you wanted something tougher you better option would be a nv4500 (its a 5 speed but first gear is granny low, so its good for off roading but really only has 4 usable gears) these came in the 3/4 and 1 tons. another option would be a borg warner t5. They are tough and common to find, how ever I dont know if they were available in 4wd vehicles, so you may have to make a adapter for the tcase.

The gm automatics are all quite strong and if you do break one replacements are cheap. Through a shift kit in it and a extra transcooler and you probably wont ever need another one. If you really feel that you need something stronger I would recommend upgrading to a 4l80e auto, they will be easier to find all the needed parts to swap and will be less work.