I have a '53 3100 pickup in the works (about 60-70% complete) and recently opened the transmission intending to put in gaskets and front/rear seals. This is the stock 3 speed trans hooked to a torque tube. Inside I found grindings, worn gears and some very bad attempts to repair damage to almost all shafts and gears. None of this was visible from the outside. I have completed a swap from the 216 to a 235 using the 216 bell housing so the rear motor mounts could remain the same. Since funds are in short supply, I was intending to leave the drive train stock until future funds (hopefully) would allow upgrading to another transmission and open drive shaft. Now the bad trans requires a change in plans.
Now the questions along with some info: a fellow bolter has offered a Muncie SM-318 3 speed which he believes will bolt up to the 216 bell housing on the 235 engine. He has a drive shaft which could be altered to fit also. Can you advise if the Muncie will indeed bolt up to my engine? Can you advise the best approach to change the rear end to accommodate the open drive line and suggest a good replacement? The Muncie trans and drive shaft came from a '59 Chevy truck per the owner/bolter.
I need to leave the replacement rear end in the original position so the wheel/tire position in the rear fenders will remain the same.
One good point to consider: This may solve the old gear ratio problem and eliminate the need to replace the ring gear and pinion in the old rear end....Oh Well !
Thanks for any advise, warnings, encouragement and/or information.

'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.