Hey all.
I've got a '79 Scout with a 454 bbc I'm currently converting out my automatic to a T56. I'm looking for recommendations or anyone with experience mating up a Dana 20 transfer case to this transmission.
Thanks in advance

Lee

 

Don't have any helpful input for ya but that is one sweet looking ride Lee! Glad to see something different on board.

 

Thanks a bunch 2KRedSilverado!

 

What details do you have on the T56? what are your goals? I ask because thats a sweet ride but a t56 may not be the best option for 4 wheeling in a heavy truck.

 

Its a stock mid 90's .50 overdrive ratio tranny. I was really not happy with the T350 / NP 203 combo. I was reving over 2500 rpm on the highway (3.54 diff gears). I broke the T350 housing due to the weight of the 185 lb (dry weight) transfer case. The Dana 20 is 85 lbs (dry weight), substantially smaller in size. With the box style frame of the Scout, which is also narrow compared to a full size truck makes for a tight fit of exhaust etc. I really don't do any 'heavy' off roading with it. The weight of the truck is 4300 lbs ....

 

what size tires are you running? will you continue running the 3.54 gears?

 

I've currently got 33" rubber. I'll drive it with the 3.54 and see about a possible gear swap after. It's a moderate 454 with a decent amount of torque. I could see a 3.73 and 35" combo, but really want to see how much I like it with the current set up

 

with that combo on the 2.66 first gear of the t56, its gonna be little hard on the clutch to get it off the line. I have the same t56 in my 04 with a 31" tire and I went with a 4.56 in the rear. I'm just 2wd. I roll down the highway at 2000 rpm at 80 mph in 6th. with your combo you'll be at 1000-1100 rpms at 60 in 6th. that 454 may like that with the close ratio 1-5 gears. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, in fact i would like to see it done but I think you'll need to have have the t56 beefed up a bit for the weight and torque of the truck.

 

Well that's good info. 1000-1100 rpm is a little bit too low imo. I'm thinking around 1500 will be ideal. Maybe a 4.11 will be a better choice

 

that would be the low end of what i would run with a 33" tire.