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| | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 | Could a Columbia overdrive be adapted for use under a 47-53 chevy 1/2 ton truck?
Dennis
-there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer-
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 | Dennis,
It's probably unlikely without a massive amount of work. The Columbia unit is part of the rear differential which has it's own torque tube and a completely different rear spring and suspension configuration. There would be another issue mating the torque tube to the transmission and of course different rear brakes and wheel bolt pattern. It also has control components and a vacuum unit to make the gear change. Columbia components are becoming rare and are priced accordingly. Change out the rear end and I'll build you an overdrive.
Fred
Last edited by rfs56trk; 05/16/2014 3:35 PM.
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 | The main reason the Columbia was used under the Fords was the shape of the frame. The X crossmember shape and the fact that the legs at the back of the transmission were the rear motor mounts made it virtually impossible to fit an overdrive to the back of the transmission. They moved the planetary gearset to the driver's side axle housing. The left housing bolted to the banjo-shaped center carried the planetary and the vacuum shifter.
One other bit of trivia about the Ford rear end- - - -it was not a hypoid design- - - -the pinion gear meshed with the ring gear on center, which made it necessary to have a floorboard tunnel a couple of inches taller to clear the torque tube on the passenger cars. It was also possible to "flip" the carrier housing on reassembly and end up with the ring gear on the wrong side- - - -one forward speed and 3 reverse gears!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 | Great information. Thanks.
I got the pleasure of riding in a friends 40 ford woody. It had the Columbia setup. I didn't know anything about it but did google the shop in Temecula. So, I asked the question. Thanks.
I am always looking for a setup to get up to 60-65 mph when the 405 permits.
Dennis
-there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer-
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