I received and installed the new spring for the side cover. The new spring looks like the spring shown my friend's side plate in the photo above. The photo below shows the spring that was in the side cover that came with my OD transmission, the spring that is in my straight drive version side cover and this new spring. The smaller springs measure 0.048" thick. The new one measures 0.063".
This stronger spring does overpower the spring in the lockout pin, so the shifter does hold in reverse without having to lockout the OD first. This stronger spring makes all three gears harder to engage.
I'm almost out of excuses to keep this truck on blocks. I'll update again after I make a test drive.
1950 GMC 100 Panel Truck, 1958 270, 3-spd Saginaw with BW OD, 3.73 12 Bolt Differential from a 1966 C10, Front Disc Brakes Bought it in pieces 9-1976, driving since 6-1978 Follow in the DITY
