Hi all,
So I picked up
this 1950 1/2-ton pickup a month or so ago, it had a seized 1954 235 in it that I'm going to pull and replace with
this 1955 261 that I just found with the help of fellow Stovebolter cmayna. The truck still has the original 3-speed on the column, torque tube and rear end. I want to change out the transmission for a floor shifter but keep the torque tube and rear end for the sake of originality (for now) -- I know I'll be left with a low top speed but don't mind keeping her to the back roads. I'm also a grad student and don't have a ton of money or the skill/experience to do anything too far out or expensive - I'm thinking relatively simple (bolt-on), cheap, and reliable, even at the expense of performance... within reason, of course.
So considering my setup and priorities, what is my best transmission option? Seems from reading up on the web and SB forums like there are two main options for somebody like me:
1) find an original 4-speed from an AD 1/2-ton truck like mine and be happy starting in 2nd gear (ok with me... not good, just ok), or
2) find a Saganaw 4-speed and buy the $400 installation kit from Patrick's. I know Patrick's recommends M&R rebuilt Saganaws for this purpose, but they're $900 -- pretty steep for me, although I assume with some searching I could probably find a decent working Saganaw for less (??)
Other options I should consider? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
