How functional is GM SM465 tranny W/ 3 speed transfer?

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Captn Conch

Captn Conch

Life Begins Above Timberline.
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I'm wanting to do this. But Just how usable is this granny gear when in 4 low? I had a '72 Chev 1 ton 2wd pickup and yes it was a real stump puller granny gear. I can only imagine being in 4 low with a granny gear in the Cruiser. Hi range granny, yes, but is it even viable in 4 low granny with 33" tires which is as tall as I will ever go. Do you just leave xfer in high range using the granny gear for rough spots in say Rocky Mountain mining and "Jeep" (ouch) trails?

If you are using this combo or even the 4 speed xfer with this tranny I would like some input.
Thanks.
 
I had a sm465 with a 3spd tcase with the classic cruisers adapter . Granny gear was very useful. If your driving on the freeway a lot, you will want the 3.70 diff gears for better highway rpm with 33inch tires, but 4.11s did OK on the freeway. Used it all the time offroad. Now I still have the sm465, but I have a Orion behind it.
 
It's a super good set up, especially off road. Having very deep gearing makes everything easier when crawling around in the rocks.

I don't think you can use a 4 speed transfer because the input gear is wrong and there isn't an adapter to match the 465 to the 4 speed case.
This actually is wrong. See link below but it applies to SM420

You'll want an SM465 out of a 4 wheel drive and it will come with the 10 spline output shaft which is what you want. Or, if you end up with the more common 35 spline version, the 10 spline main shafts are available.

SM465 or it's predecessor SM420 are about the most cost effective transmission swaps you can do. I've had an SM420 in my FJ40 for more than 10 years and the very low gear is invaluable.

SM420 is 2 inches shorter which is a big deal in a '71 because of the location of the crossmember.

And one other head's up-the SM420 adapters are available, not sure anyone has 465 adapters available any longer.

SM420 Adapter : Extremebends.com | Landcruiser Toyota Parts and EBI 4x4 Accessories
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'll probably have Classic Cruisers in Salida Colorado do the assembly as they make an adapter for the 465 that is thinner than the AA adapter and I hope that will negate the need for driveshaft mods but I'm probably dreaming there.

I have not been able to find a definitive answer: does the '70's 4x4 465 have a shorter output shaft than the non 4wd tranny? both are the 10 spline but I think maybe the 2wd version has longer output shaft and not as easily adapted?
 
Ive had SM465 / 3 speed t/c in my V840 for at least 17years. Granny gear is nice. Rarely use low range on the transfer unless I really need it. Im on 35s with 4-10 gears and the driveability is great.
 
My 1968 has v-8, 465 trans and 4:88 gears on 36" swampers and it's pretty good gearing for the trail. 65 mph is cruising speed.
 
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