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| | | | Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 2 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 2 | I have a 1947 3600 truck that I would like to replace the transmission in. It is in great condition and I use it as a daily driver. It has a 4 speed transmission that I just can not get the hang of down shifting in it and I end up grinding the hell out of the gears. I don't think it has any synchromesh gears in it. I would like to keep the original 216 engine. I am hoping that there is some sort of an adapter out there that will bolt up to the 216 and allow me to bolt on a newer 4 speed standard transmission. I would be happy with any 4 speed transmission. If there is an adapter what would you recommend for a replacement transmission. Is there any other recommendations out there?
Mark Elhart
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,258 "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! | | "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,258 | Similar to this? T5 trans adapter | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,974 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,974 | Mark,
I think in this case the OP is looking to upgrade his "crash box" transmission with a later SM420 that at least has synchro's in 2nd - 4th gears, instead of changing to a T-5 5 speed.
I am pretty sure there have been a number of conversations about doing just that. Going to let others with more knowledge than I have chime in here and offer some help.
Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 | The SM420 has a different bolt pattern than the old sliding gear transmission. A clutch housing that fits a SM420 will fit your engine, but the engine mounts will be different. The fix we did 60 years ago was to replace the 1947 and earlier cross member with a 1948-1953 cross member. It has been many years since I saw a conversion done and I don't remember all the details. But a 48-53 clutch housing, cross member and as SM420 is doable. And my generation did it when we were teenagers in the 1950's so it wasn't all that complicated. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 222 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2012 Posts: 222 | Tried to send you a PM but won't go thru. I have the modified bellhousing that you need. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 2 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 2 | Hello Dave, if you want to email me any information you have that would be great. Please email me at [email protected]Thank You.
Mark Elhart
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