The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Help Identify the Drive Train

All,

We just acquired a 1950 3100 and are in the process of going through it. The engine is a 235 from 1956 according to the serial number. I have looked at the drive train and do not see any universal joints. I would like help in identifying how the drive train is put together. See pictures at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fmbsrf6tgo5hcvt/AAAu4-oVxu_dkHsW_8CF0eCba?dl=0

Any input is appreciated.

Deron

Deron

Welcome to Stovebolt! The photos you have are of a typical CLOSED driveline with a 3-speed transmission. If you open the ball assemply (the greasy end) you will find the u-joint inside. The did it like this since most roads were not paved then to keep dirt and dust out of the driveline.

Sweet,

Thanks for the input. Did they not put a U-joint on the rear?

Also, where do you find the serial numbers on the rear end and transmission?

This truck was requested by my 16 year old son for his first vehicle. It is refreshingly simple to work on. I have not been around these old trucks for a long time.

Deron

No U joint in the rear. The whole axle is on a pair of pivots used provide movement.

As for casting numbers. On the rear axle they are on the passenger side. I'm not sure which side the transmissions are located. But keep in mind they may be buried under grease. Take a wire brush to both sides and I'm sure you will find it.

Thanks for the information.

Here is the engine's serial number.https://www.dropbox.com/s/l79xk3mjg1ecjy3/20150627_142209.jpg?dl=0. Can you help me decipher it?

I know it is not original to the truck.

The number looks more like a poorly stamped "55" instead of "56". Might need the casting date from the block, which can be found near the starter, to confirm. However, in either case, the same application code was used for both years, in this case, a Passenger car 235 originally with a Powerglide transmission.

Bill is correct: F56Y

F = Flint plant
56 = 1156
Y = Powerglide transmission - hydraulic lifters

http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1956-c-ser.pdf

You guys are awesome with your knowledge and helping me out with this subject. I will have to get all the component numbers together and post here for you input.

Thank you very much for helping a novice figuring it all out.

I have found the rearend number 3657339. Here is a picture https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5ciguiej60p17h/20150812_191740.jpg?dl=0

For the transmission I found this s/n H0206273 https://www.dropbox.com/s/vszrzr8nnrk7pas/20150813_171435.jpg?dl=0.

And casting # 3686832G https://www.dropbox.com/s/psk178d7feza2sl/20150813_171857.jpg?dl=0

Can anyone identify it?

Thanks,
Deron

HO prefix on transmission code indicates 1950 truck 3-speed masde in Muncie (standard transmission):
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/5052.htm

If the rear end is from a 1950 3100 truck, the code should start with HE or HF.

Ok finally got to clean tbe pumpkin and found HE 316. https://www.dropbox.com/s/cnqy7dlc9fd9f1y/20150912_132246.jpg?dl=0

Does this number make sense?

Thanks,

HE316

HE = 1950 3100 (enclosed drive shaft - torque tube)
H = 1950
E = 3100

316 = date code
3 = month = March
16 = day = 16th

Look at this page:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/5052.htm