I have aqiured a 52 3100 and would like to update it for daily driving. I got a rearend from a 65 1/2 ton for 25 bucks. I can't find any info on installing it. I have the original 3 speed tranny. Can I use this tranny? Iwas told you could change the rear tail shaft and get a drive shaft built. Anybody done this? Also I have access to a 3 speed from a 61 bubble top if this would be better?? Please point me in the right direction, plans are to work on it over the thanksgiving holiday.
I've tried searching. I guess I'm not entering the right words. I've been hunting for this info all last week,as I've been collecting and hunting local parts on the cheap.
If your wantin to drive this thing daily, id change to at least a th350/700r4. the factory 3spd was good for maybe 65mph at 3-3500rpm w/a factory Rr. end. If you dont wanna change trannys you just need to change the u-joints. i had an 85 chevy w/a 9" ford Rr. end. I hade some u joints made with big on one side and small on the other...went right on the driveshaft...worked for 4yrs till i sold it. good luck, and welcome to your life of retirement and "not" working anymore..... g.t.
Have you measured the replacement rear to make sure you have room under there? If it fits you will probably need to cut off the spring perches and weld on the perches that will work for the springs you are using.
Your 52 has a torque tube (enclosed drive shaft) so the transmission in it won't work with the open rear end, at least not without a lot of work and expense. Since you need a different trans anyway an overdrive, be it an automatic, T5, or Borgwarner sure makes highway cruising nicer. The Borgwarner is by far the easiest and cheapest since it fits the bell housing and clutch and your present shift rods can be modified to work with it. You don't even need a transmission mount because GM just let it hang out in the air on 55-59 trucks and 55-57 chevy cars. Just be sure the solenoid is guaranteed to work because they are hard to come by. Just takes one cable and one wire for a basic installation, more if you want passing gear (kick-down) and other bells and whistles. For an automatic forget the 700R4 and get a chevy to BOP ( Buick/Olds/Pontiac) adaptor plate, which is reasonably priced. Now you can use the 200R4 which can be found at the salvage yards in greater numbers and for a fraction of the price as the 700R4 and is more compact. It was NOT the best transmission for severe duty behind a V8 or hauling heavy loads but will last indefinitely behind a 216/235. Whatever auto you use have a very good shop do the adjustments on the cable and linkage or none will last long.
