lately i've been researching how to swap my 5 speed for a T-56. i've been anxiously awaiting the day my transmission craps out so i can switch it out. wow, is it way more involved and expensive than i imagined! from the initial things i'd read about it, it didn't seem that complicated, but after i delved farther into it, i realized it would take so much more modification than the normal conversions, considering my particular setup. the usual trucks people convert are 2WD V8s that had the 4l60e. my truck's a 4WD V6 5-spd. the biggest difference for me is the fact that i would have to have a custom-made tail shaft to connect the transfer case (quite expensive) and i would have 2 differentials to change instead of 1. i'd hope the 4.3 bolts right up like the 5.3, but if it's like the 4.8 or the LQ4, it has to have a spacer on the flywheel. as for cosmetics, i'd have to get new carpet from an automatic truck so i don't have a huge hole from the old shifter (the T-56 shifter comes through about 12" farther back), and i'd have to take out the middle seat (again because of the shifter). many other factors go into it all, and it's starting to seem like more trouble than it's worth.
looking back, i don't really know if there's a specific point to this thread, but if anybody has any advise to offer, it'd be welcomed.