Th400 to manual swap with 6.0(L96)

[J011YGR33N]

I am building my truck from the frame up. My truck had a SBC 350 with a th400 and np208 TC when I bought it. I love driving manual transmissions and would rather have overdrive for the highway. My goal is for this to be a daily driver when I’m finished and a 5 or 6 speed would be optimal but wouldn’t be opposed to a 4 speed. I know that the SM465 is supposed to be bomb proof. I will not be rock climbing or going to the mud pits but it will see some light off-road use for camping/hunting/fishing. It’s a half ton but I’m putting a 14 bolt FF rear and have a 10 bolt front until I run across a good D60. 6” suspension lift with 35 or 37” tires. I’m going to school to be a mechanic so a little work doesn’t scare me.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I do not want a 4L80e.

 

[Frankenchevy]

If you want a manual with an OD, an NV4500 with an Advanced Adapters bellhousing is your best bet for a straightforward swap.