Stupid Questions about Tranny's

[DMichael5]

My 72 has a 3 speed Tranny and I would Like to upgrade it to one with OD or possibbly an AOD. I have looked at all the tech stuff that I can find and see that with most I am going to need some type of adapter to the transfer case. MY question is this why can't I due an assy swap with the tranny and T case. wouldn't that eliminate the need for adapter kits. IF it came off of a Small Block Ford the Bell houosing and Engine will mate up. So only adaption needed might be the Drive Shaft...Right??? seems to simple so I must be wrong. Oh new Shifter / column would be needed.

Let me know where I am Wrong

Thanks for the Help

DM

 

[STLKIKN]

Yes, you are correct. You can bolt up virtually any small block tranny...

The adaptor is so you can keep the stock Dana 20 t/case.

The Dana 20 is stronger than any aluminum t/case you will find attatched to an o/d transmission. To me the strength is more important than the cost.

Along with changing the trans & t/case, you will need to change the crossmember (custom built with custom tranny mount) your exhaust will probably be in the way of the new assembly. If using a manual trans , the shifter will be attatched to the trans, for an auto, you will either need to find a floor shifter, or custom install an o/d column in your truck, you will need to fab/ mount a t/case shifter as well. Front & rear d/ shafts will need to be modified for length.

The length of an o/d trans and aluminum t/ case will also be an issue, especially if the rear t/case output has a slip yoke.

 

[DMichael5]

I hadn't thought about the cross member and exhaust..

Thanks for the input

DM

 

[STLKIKN]

Go to the advance adapters website and check out the options that are available from them... also I think Chuck at BC Broncos has an adaptor for the small block ZF 5 spd to Dana 20.

Personally, I have about 2 weeks on my 2nd NV3550 swap. (have just over 1000 miles on the first one, 200 on the second one)

Probably one of the best mods I have ever made to my trucks for driveability,

performance and fuel mileage.

The A.A. kit was pretty much all inclusive, right down to the last bolt and washer.... Needed to have the exhaust rerouted and there are no driveline mods needed.