I have installed a '96 NV3500 5 spd (removed from a LWB PU truck) in my previously automatic 1981 C-10 SWB with a mixture of new & used parts. I first tried an early used clutch/pressure plate which worked but slipped excessively so I replaced that with a new '96 version replacement kit. The master cyl/slave(annular type) & line are the original that came with the transmission and supposedly worked when removed and appear to work now but will not disengage the clutch. I have not found much info on such a swap and what little advice I have found is educated guess work suggesting I may need to shim my brand new (early style) flywheel some unknown amount. I would prefer to shim somewhere else such as throwout bearing maybe. I'm about out of ideas. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

everything should have been easy bolt on and worked fine. i would have used a flywheel to match the 96 trans, and replaced the slave and master cylinders with new ones, just for peace of mind if nothing else. with new pieces, you won't have any slipping. shimming on clutches is almost unheard of and not recommended at all.

 

96 flywheel won't fit 81 crankshaft, different bolt spacing. I suppose it must be the slave cyl. The master tests good but I can't build enuf pressure in the slave.

 

Well last nite I put in a new clutch slave cyl, wasted another $75 and several hours. I'm getting desperate.