Hey drydock, i am considering a very similar conversion. I have a 1941 Chevy 1.5 ton long wheelbase. I came into a 1961 Chevy 261 with the SM420 out of a K10. I'm putting the engine into my truck, but now you have me thinking about the transmission. Is this transmission (the SM420) far superior to my stock transmission? Like everyone, I'm on a budget. But, I want to get this right the 1st time around. And, I should probably mention that I'm not much of a mechanic and I will be doing this myself with some professional input. Also, when you get an estimate on having the drive shaft shortened, could you shoot me a note? If it appears to complex, I will opt for using my oem bell housing and transmission. I'm just gonna drive it around town. I don't anticipate any awards or media coverage. : )
~m