Jump to content

How to put together a shortshaft 5 speed for a L20b


wayno

Recommended Posts

Only the late L series 4 speed longshaft case will work though, I don't believe that a early/stock shortshaft 4 speed case will work, it's a different tranny.

You will also need to remove the big cluster gear bearing on the 85/86 shortshaft 5 speed, and put the small bearing on, as the early 720 L case(80-83ish) has a small bearing.

I have been told that the 620 5 speed case will also work, but I have never tried it, so I don't know that for sure.

It's not cheap when you need two transmissions to make one good one, that is why I used to pull both trannys in the same wrecking yard, and make the one I needed right there out of the two, and just pay for the one I wanted, they had no idea I was doing that.

Link to comment
  • Replies 82
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

The L 4 and 5 speed 71B front cases are exactly the same. Usually the reverse switches are in the same location but some 4 speeds are about an inch to the rear. These you would have to plug and drill and tap a new hole. Or just look for the correct 5 speed case.

 

Never seen an L or Z five speed that didn't have the reverse switch here...

FS5W71Breverseswitchlocation.jpg

 

Here is a 4 speed case that was plugged and anew hole added just forward of it. I've never seen one but just watch for them

relocatereverseswitchfor5spd.jpg

Link to comment

I used a 620 5 sp bell on my short tail 720 transmission from a 86 standard cab....it was a much easier swap to do, then I convinced myself of in my mind...with both trannys on the work bench it took about a hour and that was double checking this thread for proper procedure..

...the only thing left is swapping the speedo gear which I should have done on the ground then in the 521

Link to comment

I ask because I noticed my spare dogleg tranny is actually for a Z series motor. So I will need to swap front cases.

 

Also, I have seen some sources saying that the Z dogleg has different gear ratios than the L dogleg. Specifically Im most worried about 5th gear as it looks to be less of an overdrive (barely)

Link to comment

There are two different gear sets for the 63A dogleg. One for L series and another for the Z series.The Z series were only on the 80-'81 A10 (later HL510)

 

3rd, 4th and overdrive ratios are exactly the same. First and second are slightly closer together on the Z series.

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

32136-U0100 used from '71 through the Xterra. I find the NAPA one is thinner and can be (carefully) driven into the tail a little further than the stock thicker one. This places the seal lips on a fresh section of driveshaft spline so it seals better. Always lube before shoving it in.

Link to comment
  • 11 months later...

I know this was a old thread but thank you for your help I just built a 5 speed with a 4 speed bell housing from a 76 620 and a napz 5speed from a wheel drive 720 can't wait to get it in the truck

Are you saying you made a shortshaft 5 speed out of a 4WD shortshaft transmission?

Does it have a speedometer drive connection?

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.