After rebuilding my 1964 Chevy C-10 for six months now, (anyone who knows how time and money play a part in getting a job done knows why) I have come across some pretty good "quick fixes". I don't know how many owners this truck has had. But I do know that when I bought it, it wasn't running. Anyways, right now I am installing my 3-speed manual transmission to the 230 engine. Problem: When I dismantled the tranny from the engine, I noticed it wasn't "factory" installed. On the same crossmember the rear parking brake assembly is, there was a piece of flat stock metal 5 in. X 5 in. welded (bad weld too!) 2 in. up and 90 deg. back over the brake assembly. On top of that was bolted a piece of 2 X 4 wood. Then the tranny was bolted to that. My question is: I have the shop manual and the factory assembly manual for my truck. Neither show a close-up of what the tranny actually is mounted to. I bought a new mount as well. Anyone have the same setup on their truck that I can reference? (I.e. pictures?) Or know where I can get another tranny crossmember support for my frame? I would greatly appreciate any help. Being so close to getting the drive train cranked over and this happenning...well you know. x( }> x(
ALL manual transmissions, including the 4-speed heavy duty, mount to the bellhousing and to nothing else. The automatics require a crossmember, or, rear mounting point.
The '60 to '66 Factory Assembly Manual shows the crossmember with two bolt holes in the center for the mount to bolt to. The one they show is a three speed. I can't believe that from the bell housing crossmember to the forward drive shaft support there is nothing to support the rear of the transmission.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jan-17-02 AT 03:45 PM (CST)]I've just changed the Granny 4 speed in my 64. That transmission rivals ANY automatic in the weight department. Four bolts into the bellhousing is all that holds it in place. If you want to go for something that you really can't believe, try installing the heavyduty 4 speed by yourself !! And put a chiropracter on retainer. That crossmember, is behind and slightly below the tailshaft of the trans and is used to mount the e-brake fulcrum. When the manual trans is installed, the u-joint and driveshaft are directly above that crossmember.
I'll give it a try then. I just don't know why someone fabricated a mount on top of the e-brake fulcrum and then bolted that 3-speed to a 2x4. That really threw me off!! Thanks.
Hay wires. You said you have the service manual right? Read the instructions for transmission removal. Aside from the part about the cheezy weld and "be sure to check your 2X4 for termites" being missing, look for "remove the rear transmission mounting bolts" to be missing as well. Good luck ! ( I sure wish mine was a three speed ! Much lighter !!) Regards, Dennis
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jan-18-02 AT 09:20 PM (CST)]I must say, I am very thankful for your help as well as your humor! You know as much frustrating as it is at times, I'm glad I can rely on folks like you to help fill in the gaps! Anyways, the only problem I am having now is placing that parallel clutch housing crossmember back in the frame! At least I don't have a heavy transmission! Maybe I'll upgrade later. Take care and hopefully be talking with you later! Keith p.s. - Never found the part about checking the 2x4 for termites! Nor did I see a transmission crossmember on the frame drawings.
