GM used a lot of New Process transmissions. It was what we call a vendor transmission. I'm not sure who else used it, but they were common from the mid 50's through the 70's. It could have been built in 1972, They usually had a suffix of CD, CL or OD. CD had the deep 1st gear, CL had the close 4th and 5th ratios that we called a "working 5th" and the OD denoted 5th over. They had a larger input shaft than a 4 speed and usually were used with a 13" clutch. I remember guys putting the OD models in their 55 2nd series trucks, but I'm not sure if the 1st series has enough room for the larger clutch housing. And if its a 5th direct, you wouldn't gain anything. NP 540 have 4 shift positions toward the dash and 2 toward the seat. Put it in the gear that would be away from the driver toward the seat and turn the input shaft. If the output shaft turns the same speed, its a direct. If it turns faster, it would be an OD.
