In 1953, the three speed received an upgraded clutch gear with 2 sets of needle bearings in the clutch gear. This was to cure popping out of third like earlier transmissions had, so it is a good transmission for a rebuild. I have personally rebuild 2 of these and it was pretty straight forward. Like it was said before, check first gear if any teeth are chipped or worn bad, it can be purchased on ebay, still available. I have used the second and third synchros that you are referring to and they worked just fine. That rebuild kit is the one I used too. Second gear is constant mesh so if the gear is worn and you replace it without replacing the counter gear, you could pick up a little bit of gear noise in second, but second is pretty whiney anyway.
Last edited by sstock; 06/20/2018 12:22 AM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 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 GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
