new to board, need some help with 4 spd tranny swap

[scott69c-10]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the board and need a bit of help. I recently bought a 4 speed saginaw to install in my 69 C-10 which originally had three on the tree. Can anyone give me detailed swap instructions (parts required, etc)? Also putting in power front disk brakes and power steering if anyone can help there as well. THANKS!

[OleBlue69]

Can't help on the steering and brakes, but as far as the transmission:

You will obviously need to take out the 3 spd shifter linkage that goes from the steering column to the tranny.

You'll keep the pedal, the rod that goes from the pedal through the firewall to the z-bar, the z-bar and bracket that attaches the z-bar to the block, and the clutch adjustment rod.

New parts needed (besides transmission of course):
Shifter
Shifter linkage (3 rods total)

As far as the bellhousing, I think that the saginaw will bolt up to the 3 spd bellhousing, but hopefully someone else can confirm that.

For the procedure, I'm gonna go ahead and assume that you have the original truck bellhousing.
Procedure:

1. Secure truck
2. Take out the shifter rods
3. Release the clutch adjustment rod and take it out
4. Release one of the park brake cables to get it out the way
5. Take the u-bolts out at the rear-end and slide the drive-shaft up, drop it from the rear end, and then slide it back and out the way
6. Take the bolts out of the bellhousing-to-block
7. If you don't have a rear crossmember as well, be sure that you have a jack under the tranny and that it is secure if you haven't already done so
8. Slide the tranny and bellhousing out and throw it to the side watching out for oil draining out the tailshaft
9. Replace the clutch and pressure plate assembly now if you plan to do so. And if so, get the flywheel resurfaced
10. Hook your bellhousing up to your saginaw and slide it in
11. Bolt and torque up your bolts to the bellhousing and crossmember
12. Now hook up your shifter linkage to your shifter, but take the shifter stick out of the mechanism
13. Hook the linkage up to your tranny to see where you need to cut your hole in the floor
14. Cut your hole and get your linkage locked in
15. Put stick in your shifter hole
16. Now slide your driveshaft in and hopefully the length will not need to be changed
17. Hook up your clutch adjustment rod and set it up so it releases at the clutch pedal position that you prefer
18. Hook up you park brake cables and I think that is it?

I think that is most everything, but I'm tired of typing now, so I'm headed to bed. Hope this helps and good luck!

[OleBlue69]

Also welcome to the board Scott !

[Americanrider]

You running 8 or 6 in your 69? It makes a difference when you talk power steering mounts & pulleys. I6 stuff is hard to come by. Small blocks are easy to find, just be sure to line up the belts & pulleys.

For Power brakes you will need:
Brake booster & firewall mount
Brake booster to pedal rod
Master cylinder that matches the booster
[both Delco-Morraine or both Bendix, they do not intechange w/ each other]
New Front steel brake lines (smaller than drum lines)
Disk/drum brake propotioning block

What are your plans, stick with 6 lug or go to 5 lug fronts?

[scott69c-10]

American Rider, Running a 350 V8, so the pulley and bracket should be pretty easy to find, right? Off any GM V8?

[scott69c-10]

Originally Posted by Americanrider

You running 8 or 6 in your 69? It makes a difference when you talk power steering mounts & pulleys. I6 stuff is hard to come by. Small blocks are easy to find, just be sure to line up the belts & pulleys.

For Power brakes you will need:
Brake booster & firewall mount
Brake booster to pedal rod
Master cylinder that matches the booster
[both Delco-Morraine or both Bendix, they do not intechange w/ each other]
New Front steel brake lines (smaller than drum lines)
Disk/drum brake propotioning block

What are your plans, stick with 6 lug or go to 5 lug fronts?

Sticking with 6 lugs so I don't have to change the rear drums

[Americanrider]

Your looking for a "SHORT NECK" SBC setup. Water pumps come as short or long neck styles. Read this:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=pulleys

[71chevytruckguy]

bellhousing's the same

[QUOTE=OleBlue69]
As far as the bellhousing, I think that the saginaw will bolt up to the 3 spd bellhousing, but hopefully someone else can confirm that.

[71chevytruckguy]

i just did this swap a couple months ago and love. the 4 spd case in same size the 3 spds so you should not have to change your drive shaft. all you gotta do is reomve and get rid of all the 3spd shift linkage,unbolt the tranny at the bellhousing, take it out, and bolt the new on up, cut a hole in the floor for the shifter stick, install the shifter and your set. hurst makes a real good shifter for puttin the 4 spd sag's in truck. i have it in mine. despite what peopl will tell you, sags can take some abuse and hold up good. chris.

jegs part number
hurst shifter: 530-391-0001
intstall kit: 530-373-7919

[scott69c-10]

Originally Posted by 71chevytruckguy

i just did this swap a couple months ago and love. the 4 spd case in same size the 3 spds so you should not have to change your drive shaft. all you gotta do is reomve and get rid of all the 3spd shift linkage,unbolt the tranny at the bellhousing, take it out, and bolt the new on up, cut a hole in the floor for the shifter stick, install the shifter and your set. hurst makes a real good shifter for puttin the 4 spd sag's in truck. i have it in mine. despite what peopl will tell you, sags can take some abuse and hold up good. chris.

jegs part number
hurst shifter: 530-391-0001
intstall kit: 530-373-7919

THANKS 71CHEVYTRUCKGUY. Did you happen to rebuild the 4 spd before you put it in? I was think while I have it out to rebuild it as it is used and I'm not sure of the previous owners abuse on it.

[71chevytruckguy]

Originally Posted by scott69c-10

THANKS 71CHEVYTRUCKGUY. Did you happen to rebuild the 4 spd before you put it in? I was think while I have it out to rebuild it as it is used and I'm not sure of the previous owners abuse on it.

glad to help. i didn't rebuild mine, was on a budget. you could pulll the side cover to see what kinda shape the gears are in. if they're chipped or missin teeth, its had some abuse. if not, you should be good to go. chris.