UptownSport

My father left us an extended cab with a slush-box. (he couldn't articulate a clutch anymore)
My brothers claim the trans needs to be rebuilt and are planning to start soon.

I'd rather it had a manual, and reading on that auto a manual seems like an even better choice. The truck would be used for typical suburban light duty (~1/2 ton) and engine is stock.

I've read this, it's on the W though, I assume the non transfer case info is same:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...es-t81275.html

Questions:
Which trans is most readily available and will work (Gas engine????)?
Number of gears, spacing or extra torque capacity isn't a concern; cost is.

Any advice on driveshafts?

I was uber impressed with the CTD's torque; another brother has a (slightly) newer one- They prefer it to my other brothers new Ford diesel.

Thanks in advance, I haven't worked on 'real' vehicles for years, so please excuse ignorance.

gorms

I found my trans complete with shifter, bell housing, clutch fork, trans mount, and wiring pigtails from a junkyard for $1300ish shipped. Was definetly used, but has worked well for me for the last 3 years with new bearings. I used a junkyard search engine, I think it was carparts.com or something like that where salvage yards email you back offers, I had several to choose from within a few days matching my year and from a diesel.

Trans from a V10 will work as well, do not entertain one from a 5.9/5.2 GAS engine, will not work. NV4500 is typically cheaper to fix and upfront then the 6 speed NV5600. It was also used in 90's Chevy's HD trucks, not sure if they were compatible or worth the effort. A clutch/flywheel combo can be costly, so you need to do some research and decide what your realistic power will be (stock or more then stock, or much more then stock) for choosing a setup.

Also, I didn't have to alter my driveshafts, overall length was within 1/2" and the slips took that up on stock ride height. I think the 47RH was much longer than the 47RE and required new driveshafts, used in 94-96. Not sure about that with 2wd applications.

UptownSport

Thanks.
Needing a specific trans kills the swap idea.
I saw the 318 and 360 used a 4500 so figured it was just closer ratios- and that'd be plentiful (Cheap!)
I have a '96 FPM and there are only a few different internal parts; input/output shaft but not gears

My brother has a six speed sitting in a shed, but that's for a lot newer 4wd CTD.