Interested in everyones opinion on the cast iron saginaw four speeds. I have a friend that I will be helping on a AD restore or partial resto mod restore, and he/we are in the planning stages. He would like to keep the stock appearance bias ply tire look retain the torque tube but is interested in the Patrick saginaw 4sp kit. I'm skeptical, years ago, owned a saginaw four speed and was always putting a second gear syncho in it back in the old days power shift one or two times then it ground into second on the third shift. That said, I wonder if that trans can handle the heavier pickup body if driven around responsibly? I know this is a different way seems many go the route of a 5sp open drive line these days, it might come to that but at least want your opinions on this setup.
Thanks in advance,
Steve

1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration