Hey Fellas - happy holidays.

Been cobbling together a couple of 1940 chevy trucks to get one running dd truck. I had some luck finding a motor (216) that after some fiddling runs and idles real solid. It came with a what I am guessing is a sm420 - I have both the 1940 chevy service repair manual and the chiltons guide for 1940-53 vehicles.

I can shift (or so it seems) from 2nd to third and down to reverse - 1st is a little hard to get into. I have the numbers off the side and the top of the tranny. I have a couple of other trannys from salvaged trucks that I can swap - but none seem to be 100%.

So I am clutching the running trucK (theres back pressure on the clutch and it feels like its working)
and trying different shift combinations.

This is a three quarter ton frame - with no drive shaft to the rear. Other parts are from a 1/2 ton.

Id like to figure this hounddog out myself but maybe Im overlooking something.

I didnt remove the inspection plate from the bellhousing as I thought that would only reaffirm the flywheel is turning - It doesn't seem to show much clutch action. I verified the flywheel turning from beneath as I took of that cover.

I also didn't remove the shifter cover from the tranny to see if I have input - I unbolted and pulled the tranny back with a mind to swapping in another tranny and thats' where she sits now - my writing this post.

So how do I determine if I have a clutch tranny or other problem. I try to make swaps when possible to eliminate possible issues - what swaps might I try?

I have a earlier three speed but the x member is worn and it doesnt want to shift. I have a later 47 or so tranny that has a open yoke and ujoint - not sure if this would bolt up - I am soaking 0ut the shifter unit as it doesnt want to shift hardly.

I also have pulled a s10 T5 tranny from I believe a 92 s10 but its not a direct bolt up and I have to relocate the tranny support in order to get her in. I know this may offer me the best output to gears transmission so I have it set aside for one of these projects.

Im kinda talking outloud hoping to figure this out and maybe some kind direction from you good people.

My shop dog grabbed my notebook with my tranny numbers on it and ran. I have to retrieve it before I can post those. She thinks its funny.

*sigh

dean in Arkansas

Last edited by DinoKruzOrdinanc; 12/29/2014 4:56 PM.