O.K., income tax return time and now I can get started on the old 57 3200. I have a trans AND rear axle question.
I have a 235 engine and I thought a 3 speed floor shift trans. I thought I read in another post here that if it has a floor shifter it is a 4 speed. Mine has a hurst shifter someone put in it before I got it and it is a 3 speed shifter. Is this 3 speed transmission stock ? I wanted to restore the truck all original if possible.

Also, the rear axle appears to be shot. In netural it will roll backwards, but locks up rolling forward. I am trying to figure out first of all which rear end it is.American Truck VIN decoder lists 2 for this truck, 3.90 or 4.11 OD. I assume if it is a 4 speed it is the 4.11 gears and 3.90 if a 3 speed.

Any help on if the trans is a stock 3 speed and if so a 3.90 rear end? Links to the trans opening & shifter below.

[img]http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p199/johnmarkp/57shifter002.jpg[/img]

IMG]http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p199/johnmarkp/57shifter001.jpg[/IMG]

1957 Chevrolet 1/2-ton Stepside LB in the Gallery
My Photobucket shots

The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)