1996 GMC Truck Transmission swap

NEVERSUMMER525

MEMBER
1996 GMC TRUCK
V8
4WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

My 96 K1500 was orginally equipped with the 5.0 and standard MG5 trans but the previous owner replaced it and the transfer case with an M50 from a Chevy Blazer. He never bothered to change the switches and sensors or modify the driveshafts to have functioning four wheel drive, and for the amount of time and money it would take to do it, I figured I would find an MG5 and original transfer case to fix it right. Problem is that I can't find that transmission locally, and nationally I have found a few, but none for under 1300, and that is just for used, not rebuilt, not remanufactured. Very rare I've found. Wondering if an MT8 from a 93 k2500 would interchange and what modifications would have to be done if any. Its from a friends truck, and is in very good running condition, and the price is right. Also wondering what transfer case I would have to use. P.S. My truck is standard cab short box

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Honestly, I don't have the cross reference information that you need. Also, anytime you change from year to year, model to model, there ends up being unforseen problems that no one expected. THey change everything so quickly, there are situations that in the same model year, parts won't interchange. Therefore, I strongly recommend staying with the direct fit trans. That way you will know it is right and will work.