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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 | I submitted an earlier thread about replacing the stock 3-speed transmission in a '53 3100 because of interior damage done by a PO. After receiving lots of information and advice, I need to ask for more help. I have located a '54 3-speed and need information about the possibility of it bolting up to my truck without needing changes or alterations. I've been told the '54 will bolt up to the '53 bell housing and the bell joint on the torque tube just as the old trans did. If this is correct, part of my problem is solved. My main concern after the transmission fits the bell housing and bell joint is the shift linkage. Will the shift linkage on my '53 truck hook up to the shifters on the '54 transmission? I'm not sure my limited mechanical ability would enable me to fabricate new linkage arms. Help and information very much needed and appreciated.
'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | See if the shift arms on the replacement trans. are the same as the original ones.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | If the 54 trans is from a car it will not bolt up to the truck bellhousing.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 | Haven't purchased the replacement trans yet so it's still with owner. Shipping probably gonna be high so trying to be sure it will work before payment/shipping
'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 | Repl trans said to be from '54 1/2 ton
'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 75 | Another question after reading email more closely: the replacement trans could possibly be from a '54 3/4 ton. Owner is unsure if the trans came from a 1/2 ton or a 3/2 ton. One piece of information from another bolter stated that the replacement trans must be from a half ton only.
'53 3100 Short Bed
Texas Peace Officer - supporter of the Badge and the Blue Line
Pain is part of life, Misery is an option.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | 1/2 and 3/4 ton used the same 3 speed.
If from a truck the 54 trans will be a direct fit in your 53.
The 54 3/4 ton trans will have a open drive adapter on it, but that can just be removed.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
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