Is there a way to convert a sm420 ( 1963 vintage) to a torque tube tail shaft? I have a powerglide rear from a 1953 belair to put up to a 216 in my 37 pickup, looking for syncro for drivability...
Hy Beaver Bob, welcome, the SM420 came out in 1948 so there should be lots of them around setup for torque tube, you could find the tailhousing and "U" joint parts and possibly the output shaft and convert your transmission to a torque tube type, or trade your transmission for a torque tube type, or just buy a whole torque tube type transmission and rebuild it. Post an ad in the parts wanted forum farther down the page and see what pops up.
You need a rear bearing cover from a 1948-1954 1/2 or 3/4 ton and you are set. Plus the trans yoke. I'm running a 65 trans now in my 53 torque tube setup.
Last edited by sstock; 04/23/20185:34 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY Gallery Video of the 261 running
1964 GMC 1000 305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
