Transmission

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by Steven w, Jan 4, 2011.

  1. Steven w

    Steven w Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Location:
    San Antonio Texas
    Hey guys I'm new to this thread and I have a few questions. I own a 1954 chevy 3100 pickup with a 1955 chevy 235 motor in it. The drive shaft is a closed drive shaft and I would like to replace it with an open one. To do so I would need to replace the transmission so that I could hook up the new drive shaft on that end. And I would also have to replace the rear end so I can do the same. My goal is to try and keep everything stock. So my question is what kind of rear end, drive shaft and transmission could I use? I believe one of the 54's or 55's had the set up I'm looking for.
    Any help at all would be great. Thanks so much.
     
  2. coilover

    coilover Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2005
    Messages:
    2,564
    Location:
    Plano US
    The 55 1st series are the only ones that will directly swap out with your torque tube set up. They are NOT easy to find. The torque tube rear end does not fit with the axle tube centerline directly over the center tie bolt in the spring so when switching to the 55.1 the rear wheel will look much better in relation to the wheel opening in the fender if the tie bolt holes are re-drilled to move the rear back. Some swap the springs end to end (front to rear) and this also will move the rear end back. As far as transmissions the 3 speed with the BW overdrive would give the minimum hassle, are cheap, and were designed to work with the 55.1 rear end. This leaves you with a 3.90 or 4.11 gear for pulling and around a 2.70 or so highway cruising gear when in OD; the best of both worlds. We never use a used driveshaft so someone else can steer you on that.
     
  3. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2007
    Messages:
    3,164
    Location:
    Charlotte,NC
    I have a 55 open gearbox. where are you located?

    Also, word is that the Colorado rear end is a nice swap and 6 lug bolt pattern.
     
  4. Flashlight

    Flashlight Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    676
    Location:
    Greeneville, Tennessee....Looking out over the Smo
    There is one other option you may want to consider. That is Patrick's Saginaw transmission conversion, he has a catalog and is in AZ. It is a shortened tailpiece for the bolt in Saginaw tranny that will hook up to your closed shaft. It works well, the saginaw tranny is a considerable improvement from what you have. Probably easier then the entire conversion you are considering.
     
  5. Steven w

    Steven w Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Location:
    San Antonio Texas
    Hello guys thanks so much for all the help.
    Mr. Flashlight the kit you are talking about, does it just mount up to the closed drive shaft? The main problem I'm having is the stock closed drive shaft where it mounts to to trany is always leaking I've replaced the gaskets, but I hear this was always a problem with these trucks. I'd like to do away with it or if this kit would fix my problem than that would be awesome.
     
  6. Blueflame236

    Blueflame236 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2008
    Messages:
    1,555
    Location:
    Norway
    Saginaw 4 speed tranny swap ?

    Welcome aboard Steven.

    You can take a look at my threads about the subject. The tranny swap Is very well discribed. Leaking problems are also mentioned here and how to solve it !

    Good luck Martinius.
     
  7. brit 50

    brit 50 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2005
    Messages:
    1,202
    Location:
    Essex England, the motherland
    Leaks

    Leaks are part of owning one of these, think you had better get used to them:D
     
  8. Steven w

    Steven w Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Location:
    San Antonio Texas
    Brit 50, I know it and its driving me crazy!! Lol
    But I ordered some parts from Patricks today so I hope that will fix the leak problem. (fingers crossed)

    Now on to the next question whats the best way to lower the truck. (Front and back)

    Ccharr, I will post pics as soon as I figure out how to run this site. =-)

    Ol' Chebby, I'm in san Antonio tx.
     
  9. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2007
    Messages:
    3,164
    Location:
    Charlotte,NC
    Upload pic.s to photobucket.com, copy IMG code and paste here....nice big pictures.
     
  10. Flashlight

    Flashlight Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    676
    Location:
    Greeneville, Tennessee....Looking out over the Smo
    The Saginaw conversion kit from Patrick is very reasonable and they will send you all the gaskets and seals you need if you buy the kit from them, it is extra money to the tailpiece kit. It does stop most of the leaks.

    You will actually replace the present mainshaft in the saginaw with a shortened version and the cast tailpiece bolts right up to your universal joint. So you may as well get a Saginaw rebuild kit while your doing it, Patrick also has them. His catalog will tell you which tranny to buy as there are several.

    Spent a lot of time at Ft Sam, Lackland and Shepherd. Always have a good time down there.

    Flashlight
     
  11. Steven w

    Steven w Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Location:
    San Antonio Texas
    Thank you sir I'll look into it. Asap.
     
  12. brit 50

    brit 50 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2005
    Messages:
    1,202
    Location:
    Essex England, the motherland
    Lowering

    Check out dropped axles.com SIDS nostalgia site for front and back lowering
     
  13. Steven w

    Steven w Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Location:
    San Antonio Texas
    Thanks again guys!!!
     

Share This Page