82 tranny upgrade?

[mopar0096]

I'm hoping that a few people catch this and have input. This is my situation, I have a 1982 I believe not 100 percent sure of actual year. It is a regular cab flat bed truck, in absolutely cherry condition. It has a excellent running 6.2l with a 3 speed with low gear, 4.10 rearend gears. My question is, what would need to be done to get a good running high way speed out of it. I was thinking about going to the 4l80e I have heard that you can get both low and top end out of it. Since it is a 2 wheel drive, will that be all that hard to do. I am a mechanic on equipment so I have a good amount of knowledge on how to turn a wrench i'm just wondering exactly what to look for, or look out for. Also are there better ways to get some speed out of the truck? Right now its screaming at 50mph, I dont mean to hi jack the thread. I'm new and it wouldnt let me post a topic.

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome aboard, again....

If you want an OD, it would be best, and more simple (not to mention probably a lot less $$) to upgrade to a later OD manual. The NV4500 would be a very good choice, with a low 1st and an overdrive (5 speed). Switching to an "E" tranny would require, in addition to the hardware (shift linkage, shift lever, etc.), a stand alone computer controller for the tranny, and they are very proud of them. You could install a 4L80E, but it would be a lot of wrenching, and a lot of bucks.

Another option would be to keep your existing tranny, and add an aux. overdrive, like Gear Vendors or US Gear. They are expensive, but easy to install (for a wrencher), and work as advertised.

[mopar0096]

I will look into both of those. That would be great if I could keep the manual tranny.. Would both of those bolt up to a 6.2?

[DmaxMaverick]

Both will fit your truck, one way or another. The NV4500 will bolt up to the engine fine, and will need the correct clutch/PP and clutch slave set. The aux. tranny installs behind the tranny. Either install will require a driveshaft length mod. Hammerwerf (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/member.php?u=18732) recently installed a US Gear OD in his 3500 (83, I think). Give him a holler.

[mopar0096]

What about a 700R4? I've also heard that is an option...

[DmaxMaverick]

Personally, I like the TH700R4. If properly built and maintained, they are very good and reliable, and the gear ratios are spot on, with a deep 1st and an OD. Problem is, they are not a "heavy duty" tranny, like the rest we've mentioned. Similar to comparing a TH350 to a TH400. If you want to go with an auto, of all of them, it would be the simplest to do. It requires no electronics, no vacuum, only electrical is for the TCC (torque converter control), and only a cable connection to the injection pump throttle linkage (TV - Throttle Valve - cable). If the vehicle is used for light duty, with infrequent light towing, and mostly daily driving and highway use, it could work well for you. I do not recommend picking up one from a wrecking yard, and expect to use it as-is. You can get a core, and rebuild/exchange it. There are some caveats to consider, but it can work well if done properly. Cross that bridge when you come to it.

[mopar0096]

I am just kind of stuck at a cross roads of what to do. The NV4500 sounds like it would be great but the trans itself is a little pricey but I could swing it. Does anyone here have that mated up to a 6.2?

I really like the US Gear Overdrive unit, it sounds like the best way to go but there is no way that I can shell out almost 3 grand. I really wish I could but I can't swing it. That would be my top choice if the price was a little better.

I am looking for something to keep my low end the same but get me some more hp. I do tow cars once in a while, not everyday by any means. I have a car trailer that I use to move things now and then. But more than anything I use it to ride around in and load it up with pallets and what not and once in a while a load that weighs a decent amount. I guess as of now, the 5 speed sounds the best..


Here are a few pics of my rig:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Mopar0096/MVC-013S-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Mopar0096/MVC-010S-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Mopar0096/MVC-001F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Mopar0096/MVC-001S-1.jpg

I built the flat bed a little over kill and maybe strengthened the sub frame a little too much but other than that I really love the truck.