Hello, I have a 91 w150 with the 318 and 4 speed auto with overdrive (A518). I have always wanted a manual tranny, but couldn't find a truck with one when i bought mine so I ended up with an auto. I was thinking about swaping to the np435 (still in the very early stages) but, to help simplify things, i would like to keep my current transfer case which i believe is the np421 (correct me if im wrong). i figured the easiest way to do this would probably be to buy a donor truck so i would have all of the parts i need and wouldn't have to worry about ordering. I was looking around and might have found a couple candidates. However the trucks are from 85 and 87 and i belive they might have a np205 or 208 (again not completly sure), my question is would the np435 of the earlier models bolt right up to my np421, or would i need an adaptor of some sort (if so how much would they be and where could i get it). Any help is apreciated

 

If you find a NP205 go with that instead of your NP241. Much stronger unit and no chain.

 

If i go with the np205, will i have to cut a new hole for the shift lever, or will it fit in. Secondly, will i have to modify drive shafts with the np205. Thirdly will the np435 np205 combo bolt right into current mounts? Thanks for the reply

 

Take any crossmembers/mounts with you when doing your swap.

You will have to modify driveshaft length no matter how you go about your swap. A518 is much longer than an np435. Expect to cut holes in the floor.




Are you sure you want to lose overdrive?

 

Taking the crossmembers/mounts is a great ida, not sure why i didn't think of that. Would it work to use the drive shafts from the donor truck too. As far as losing overdrive, im fine with that, on the highway if it gets the just a bit hilly or if it gets windy, the truck will down shift to 3rd. A majority of the time i end up turning overdrive off. Thanks

 

If you have a choice of t-cases, take the 205. Also, if you are going through the trouble of a manual swap, I encourage you to find a 5 speed instead of an old 4 speed. Find an NV4500. Lots of people here have done it, so there is plenty of help if you need it.

 

I have given the five speed a lot of thought, mainly what is pushing me towards the 4 speed is the lower cost. In my research i have found that the 5 speed swaps tend to be much more expensive. My thought is that for the four speed, i could buy 1 donor truck and have pretty much all i need, but with the 5 speed, because the donor truck would have to be a second gen, i wouldn't end up with all the parts i need because most of the parts and compatible (correct me if im wrong). If i go with a 5 speed, would a nv3500 work, or whould i stick with a nv4500

 

nv3500 would work, nv4500 is better.

 

The NP435 has a very low granny gear. It's great offroad on the trails but the 1-2 jump is pretty rough. I pretty much always start in 2nd. Here's a thread on a similar subject. I have no idea what your gearing is and what your primary role of your truck is but the extra gear on the highway seems really nice.

I know this isn't much help but just some thoughts.

 

Thanks for the article, I'm back in the fence now on which to go with. Can i find the nv4500 in a second gen 1500, or is it only in 2500+. Would i be able to use the clutch assembly and clutch pedal assembly form a second gen, or would it have to be from a 1st gen. Thanks for all the help so far.


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