I'd like to put a 5 speed manual trans in my 84 B350. I know it sounds silly but this a bit of a hotrod project for me and I need to get some better mileage. I currently have the auto with a 360.

I used to have an 84 with a 4 speed manual and loved driving that van. I have located a factory pedal assy for the manual tranny

I have no problems with fabrication and this wont be my first auto to manual van conversion. What I dont know is what 5 speed tranmissions are available to put behind the 360. This van will be used to pull a travel trailer or boat so the transmission needs to be able to handle a load.

Thanks in advance, Scott

 

Some of the 1990's B vans had Aisin 5-speed transmissions. I had a '93 with a 3.9L V6 and a 5-speed manual. This is the same tranny that was used in the Dodge Dakota of the same era, albeit with a shorter shifter.

That Aisin is barely strong enough to stand up to the V6 so I wouldn't recommend you even think of using it with an '80's V8 van. I'm sure with the proper research and planning you could retrofit a stronger manual transmission from a full-size Dodge or Jeep. Probably lots & lots of work.

If I were you I'd look into changing the diff's final drive to achieve better highway economy. You might even find a two-speed rear that could work on your '84.

I don't think my manual trans saved me more than a few miles a gallon on my '93 versus an automatic anyway, and it was a total pain in the *** in traffic.