I should be getting an 89 D250 A518 equipped 2WD soon. I hate automatics. How hard would it be to convert to a NV4500? I know about the hump and the driveshaft, where sould I get linkage? Clutch assembly? etc etc

 

If it's an 89, it'll have the 727 3spd no OD tranny, but that isnt a real important point if you're into rowing your own gears.

Personally, I'd go with the stock Getrag. Put new bearings in it, and overfill it by 1-1.5qts. I think the Getrag is a better tranny, ALL the parts will be from a 1stGen- no swapping or substituting of parts from Gen 1 and 2.

If you go that route, try to find a donor truck. I know some guys who have done the swap, and some bought a donor, others had to hunt for little parts they didnt even know they'd need.

Daniel

 

Well, I have seen 1 1st gen in the 13 years I've lived here, so no chance in local parts. Is there a decent auto that bolts up to the 12v? Allison?

 

You can get a decent aftermarket rebuild kit and convertor for the 727 or 518 (OD). With a tighter convertor and valve body, it'll be a different truck.

Dont see many 1stGens in junkyards around here, either. Most of my parts have come cross country.

Dan