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1941 Chevy Truck 3 Speed - HELP

I am in the process of recreating a race car from the Denver, CO area in the 50's. The car/truck started life (circa 1951) as a 1936 Chevy truck, got a hopped up 1940 4 main motor and a 1941 3spd truck trans. In 1952 the cab was removed, the motor was moved back 25% of the wheel base, a 34 chevy roadster body was shortened and put on the chassis. Around 1954 it got a real Wayne 12 port motor. It dominated drag racing in these parts until 1959 when it was retired/parked. The motor is being built, and I've rounded up a chassis and body parts.

But I need a transmission. From what I understand a 1941 Truck 3 speed is a top shift and has roller bearings instead of bushings. I need some help figuring out if there are other years that are the same, or where to find one. What will interchange. I'd like to use the 1936 truck clutch/brake pedal setup too. It appears that a GM 839257 bellhousing will fit the later motor and has provisions for the pedal assembly. Any help is greatly appreciated.

-Mike

The 1940-47 truck three speed are the same.
If you can't find one locally PM me, I can help.
The 1938-46 truck bellhousing will work fine.
What rear end are you using?

Thanks Dave!

we are going to use the stock 1936 rear end, shorten the torque tube and drive shaft.

There's some pictures here.. Jalopy Journal .

If you are using a 36 rear end than I would recommend a 1937-39 truck transmission and U' joint. It is basically the same transmission but first and reverse are straight cut gears.
The advantage in using this transmission is that it will have the correct rear main shaft splines and its U' joint will match up with the 36 rear end.

FYI, if you use a 1940 and later 1/2 ton or 1937 or later pass diff you will have a much better Hypoid design.

Thank You Dave! I'll keep this in mind.

Will the 40 1/2 ton rear swap into my current chassis easy?
Will the leaf spring perches line up, or can I just swap out the third member and torque tube?

This early chevy stuff is a little new to me. I've built alot of early Ford hot rods.

Thanks again.

BFT, I'm glad you are doing this! I talk to Cal every now and then, I'm sure he has told you all about the Ricketts Bros 12 port!

When Chev changed to Hypoid in 1940 they offset the differential and used two different length axles (right being longer). So to answer your question no, it will not work in an earlier housing.

I do not have the measurement between springs where the axle housing mounts on a 1936. You should measure yours and I ( or someone here) can compare it with a 1940-46.

Still Looking for this Transmission

Transmission Photo

Photos of the Car we are recreating

A Before and After of the car (still working on it)