The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1946 Chevy 1/2 ton tranny choices

I have a 1946 chevy 1/2 ton I am trying to restore. When I got it the previous owner had already put a 235 engine in it. The block says it a 1956 when I look up the #'s. The tranny is bad and I would like to replace tranny and rear end with something capapble of highway speeds. The only concern I have is that I don't really want to have to modify the floorboards and such from a larger tranny if I don't have to. Any suggestions?
Chris

There are a lot of ways to go with this. This is what I did with my 46. I wanted to upgrade the drive train with the idea in the back of my mind to some day drop in a V-8. I have a 55 235. First I found a 56 1/2 ton rear end with 3:56 gears. The center pumpkin will fit right in the 46-54 housing. This way I am using my existing brakes and shocks. I had to weld new spring saddles to the housing because the existing ones were the type thet rotated. Next I found a 53 bellhousing that had the right bolt pattern for the later trans (they changed in late 47) I had to build a mounting bracket that mounts to the new bellhousing to mount the master cyl.and clutch pedal to. Next I used an sm420 4 speed from a 65 1/2 ton this is an open drive line unit. It has a granny low. Next I found a drive line out of a 77 1/2 ton and it was just the right length. NAPA makes a u-joint with two differens sizes that worked perfect to hook it up.. This is just one option.
,
Rick

Don Epps used a t5 and it looks like it fits well and you don't have to relocate the pedals. First thing- have you checked your bolt pattern on bellhousing. A pre 48 bellhousing won't do but a later one will have a pattern which allows you to bolt in almost any trans you want. I used a New Process 89mm 4 spd od and it fits well but is side linkage and I had to relocate pedals. If your b/h is old pattern, you could take the Jim Proffit approach and use adapter plate and **** T-OD trans. Rick's rear end idea works, but decide if you will stay six lug, otherwise upgrade to a more modern Camaro r/end. Axles and brake parts can be an issue if you go Rick's route-- but it is the most authentic looking.