My 4 speed selective syncromesh trany on my 1959 3800 Chevy Apache grinds when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and up to 4th unless I hold the clutch in and coast for a long time.
As you can imagine keeping momentum to shift up but allow enough time to shift without grinding is bothersome and can be quite difficult starting from stoplights on hills.
Trany mechanic diagnosed it as missing some syncronizers and possible worn bearings. He quoted $800 to $1000 to put in new syncronizers, bearings and gasket kit.
Sounds like he's basically rebuilding the transmission to me.
For you old hands with these classics, does this sound necessary or a waste of money?
My second question is on the "fastest speed" I can drive her without damaging the engine or trany. She seams to cruise pretty well at 60 MPH with the bad trany as it is, however she has that low grany grear (1st) and from what I've read about earlier trucks on this site raises questions whether I should be pushing her past 45 MPH.
Should I also be looking at an overdrive or ring and pinion swap with the transmission repair? Or is a '59 trany and 283 v8 more capable of higher speeds than the '50 216?
I'd deeply appreciate any replies or inquiries to help get the old girl back where she belongs.
Sincerely,
Jacob Marshall
