Upgrade to Tremec on 1973 K10

[4 squared]

Has anyone installed a Tremec 5 Speed into their K10? My '73 has the typical 4 speed with granny and 411 gears which isn't great. Wondering if there's things I should know before I pull the trigger on this. Thanks

 

[83K31003]

Plenty of things to consider and answer before taking on a trans swap like this:

Funds for the complete swap to turn key status ?

Exact type of Tremec trans, tail housing and shaft ?

Transfer case adaptability - what spline count, length of T-case input gear, type of T-case, bolt pattern ?

The trans to T-case adapter - short foot v/s long foot, bolt pattern type and compatibility with input gear length as well type of crossmember?

Driveshaft mods ?

Shifter mods - both trans & T-case ?

Floor pan/tunnel mods ?

Clutch assembly, flywheel size ( 168 v/s 153 tooth count ), bell housing & starter mount compatibility ?

Linkage & hydraulics master/slave plus plumbing ?

Existing mechanical clutch pedal geometry v/s hydraulic type - they are different ?

Crossmember type and location mods?

Just some of the basics that you need to understand and know the answers to as well as address BEFORE you start this project so you know what you’re dealing with.

HTH’s

 

[Shorty81]

....or perhaps change gears to 3:73 and keep that good old bullet proof sm465. Best truck tranny in my opinion. My K20 is at 2000 rpm at 55 with sm465 and 3:73 gears.

 

[NLD79K10]

Like @Shorty81 says, you're better off regearing your rear end. Lots less hassle and cost involved in that.

 

[Hunter79764]

Has anyone installed a Tremec 5 Speed into their K10? My '73 has the typical 4 speed with granny and 411 gears which isn't great. Wondering if there's things I should know before I pull the trigger on this. Thanks

I'm assuming you are talking the tr4050? I don't see where other tremec's can mate to a transfer case for a K10. The Tremec is longer, so you will need to shorten/lengthen driveshafts and move the crossmember, most likely. I think the biggest issue will be the 23 spline output on the TR4050, I'd think the easiest option would be to source a dodge passenger side drop case to go with it. They had 205's and 208/241's if google is right, both should be decent options. It has a .76 overdrive, so you can start with your current highway RPM and take 3/4 of it, that will be your new RPM. You can also use the handy calculator/simulator below, it will cover all of your gear options, as well as transfer cases. It has both transmissions, your existing transfer case is probably a 203 or a 205? Both of those are 2:1 low. A 208 or 241 are 2.73:1 low.
Ultimately it depends on what you are doing with the truck, so how about it? How do you use it now, and how do you want to use it in the future?

Gearing Analyzer with Shift Tracer

Enter gear ratios, tire and diff ratio to analyze RPM vs velocity at shift points with tracer

www.blocklayer.com

 

[CheemsK1500]

The Tremec 4050 is a pretty good choice for a K10, but still is not a total "drop-in" affair. If you want better RPMs on the highway and do not want to jump through all the hoops that come with installing a non-native transmission, just keep the 465 and put some taller gears in your differentials.