Well, we recently acquired 3 82 4x4 pickups. Only one of them is actually running, the other two are just for parts. It runs real well, but the tranny has some BIG issues. Apparently, the previous owner let the tranny oil get really low, so now its making a terrible grinding sound in every gear except reverse. We're thinking a bearing is probably shot. One of the other trucks has a good 4spd transmission that we're thinking of just swapping in its place, but I wasn't sure if there was a difference in lengths between it and the 5spd already in the truck. I know it will bolt up fine, but will it also need a different driveshaft? Thanks...

 

that's not from lack of oil -- it's just a weak transmission, most L series trannies blew up at around 120k or so.

fortunately for you, the L45(4 speed) and L50/L52(5 speeds) use the exact same case. the 4 speed is a direct drop in.

 

Thanks man!! That's what I wanted to hear!!