I would suggest that you tailor your T5 to the same measurements as your current Saginaw measurements. That way, you know for sure that the T5 will mate with your bellhousing. Mine just happened to be the measurements that duplicated the sm420 that came in my truck.
The T5 T.O. bearing retainer shaft is secured with 4 bolts....remove it from the transmission to make your cuts. Be sure to chamfer (gently) the ends where you cut them off. Also, make sure you slide the clutch disc PAST the end of the splines. If you ASSUME you've got them dressed down sufficiently and install the transmission, you may discover that your disc will not fully release. I found this out the hard way!! While you've got the T.O retainer shaft off.....replace the little seal that keeps the transmission fluid from contaminating your clutch pack. Ditto on the tailshaft seal. Also, the short bed S10 driveshaft is nearly perfect length.
I feel obligated to tell you that adding the T5 and getting your ride up to highway speeds is going to involve more than just bolting on the transmission. While you're developing your plan, be sure to take into consideration brakes, sway bars, snugging up the straight axle and installing upgraded tie rod ends. You'll find that the straight axle truck will handle the higher highway speeds with ease.....and the little 235 will push her along at 70 mph with ease and at 80mph you'll still have throttle left. Aside from the harsher ride of the straight axle, you'll discover that manual steering gives you ample feedback and that manual disc/drums will do the job with less potential for lock-ups. The key to building a good running truck or streetrod is to do your homework....ask plenty of questions and don't get caught up in just throwing money into your ride. You'll find that keeping the 235 and making some subtle upgrades will pay off when you're cruising down the open road or at the car shows. The Old Chevys have a loyal following and you'll get a chance to meet some nice fellow "Stovebolters" who'll share their own adventurers.
Dave
