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Bell Housing Help

cmkruse

cmkruse

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I bought a bell housing for my 54 3100, cast number 3835201, and I'm missing some parts. I need the inspection cover that goes on the top of the housing. I also would like to know if anyone knows of a source for the shaft that sticks out from the side that holds the shift linkage? I think I'm missing a starter mount stud too but not sure if there is only supposed to be one stud and a lower bolt to mount the starter or two studs. Any help appreciated.
 
Hello Craig,
I have a bell housing from my '53 (I do not know if it is original to the truck), cast number 3701433. It lacks the inspection cover. It does have the shift linkage, still on the shaft. The starter mounting present is STUD upper, and BOLT lower. If you can verify parts interchange between your bell housing and mine, I can help you out. Pictures below.
Mike
Bellhousing_casting-number.jpg
Bellhousing_front.jpg
Bellhousing_linkage.jpg
Bellhousing_rear.jpg
 
Hi Mike, let me see if i can find out what yours and mine are from. I really only need a source for the shift linkage shaft in that seems to be all that is really missing that I need. I can make an inspection cover no problem. Yours looks more correct than mine in that I don't recognize the trans mounts that are on mine. Ill try and get a picture uploaded in the next couple of days. Thanks for the response and Ill let you know what I find.
 
Hi Mike, Research shows I have a 54 bellhousing and yours is 48-53. The difference is with the flywheel cover bolt hole spacing and cover. I need to use my 54 but need to find a replacement shift linkage shaft.
 

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I've researched the master parts catalog for the bellhousing and the shift linkage shaft isn't listed as a separate item so I guess I have to find a machinist to make me one. If anyone can provide dimensions for the shaft or s source I would appreciate it very much, I would need overall length, outer diameter, and groove depth measurement for the retainer clip. Any recommendations appreciated.
 
Hi Mike, well the hole is smooth and about 1 inch deep. I think I know where you were going with the question. If it was threaded I could make a shaft with a little work. I have figured out what the deal is with this bellhousing. Its the right cast number but evidently it was probably in a car or 54 truck with an automatic transmission. The mounts on the rear are of a different type that I have never seen before. I guess my only solution is find a machinist (not likely around here) and have a shaft made. I bet the originals where a press fit. If you don't mind I could use the shaft measurements if you have time.
 
Craig,
The hole for the shaft is a THRU hole in my bell housing. My guess is that the shaft is pressed in. An attempt with a drift and large hammer to push it out was unsuccessful. I also tried to twist it to see if it would move. No joy, just some jaw marks. If I can put my hands on my digital verniers, I will measure it. If you were closer, or if the piece was lighter, I would ship you the entire bellhousing.

Mike
 
Hello Craig,
Here are the dimensions of the pin in my bellhousing. As there is a spring and large washer holding the actual linkage pivot up against the boss on the bellhousing, I would venture to guess the only critical dimensions are the shaft diameter (conveniently 5/8"), the groove diameter (which I would call a maximum diameter) and the width of the groove for the retainer (which I would call a minimum dimension). There is a small chamfer at the end of the shaft I didn't measure (figure .03 x .03). I think spinning a piece of round stock in the drill press, while using a cutoff wheel to cut the groove might suffice. Hope this helps!
Mike
Shifter Linkage Pivot Pin.jpg
 
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Thanks Mike, Helps a lot. As it turned out, the bell housing is for a top loader, and I should’ve known that but being an old and mentally challenged is simply forgot that all of these bell housing were not for three on the tree, but with your dimensions, I can convert one of the two that I have for use. Thanks a lot for taking the time.
 
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