The biggest disadvantage of the 4 speed non synchr trans is that if you are traveling at a hefty speed and need to brake quickly, you are messing around with getting the engine speed correct, to the detriment of you actually having a foot left to stab on the brake pedal with. So either you rely on all brake, with the truck still in top gear, or you gear down properly and rear end the car in front of you. Mind you you, if you are a putterer, then this will never be a problem, but with the 3 on the floor, you can downshift AND put the binders on hard, and successfully haul that truck down in a hurry. I ran my 302 with OD in my '45 for many years with the 4 speed until I switched back to the 3 speed a couple of years ago. It is much easier to drive in everyday traffic, which i do. The one thing i miss about the 4 speed, is that nice low first gear for crawling around the back yard with.
Last edited by k10; 04/25/2011 7:33 PM.
