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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 481
R
'Bolter
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I have a 1958 fully restored Apache 31. The three-speed (on the column) transmission in my truck is connected to a 235 ci motor and both were in the truck when I bought it unrestored in 1986/1987.

I would like to know if anyone can tell me what transmission I have by looking at the attached photographs.
Attachments
transmission1.jpg (40.86 KB, 102 downloads)
1958 Apache Transmission
transmission2.jpg (76.46 KB, 101 downloads)
transmission3.jpg (63.07 KB, 103 downloads)
transmission4.jpg (41.56 KB, 102 downloads)
transmission5.jpg (44.4 KB, 103 downloads)

Last edited by Peggy M; 08/18/2023 5:14 PM. Reason: added pix with Attach Mgr
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B
'Bolter
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Sure is clean under that truck.


'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12
'52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
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'Bolter
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What you have is the basic standard 3 speed transmission. The official name /number is a Muncie SM 318. It has a non syncro
first gear and was used in both cars and trucks with some configuration changes from 55 through 67.
Fred

Note: That one appears to have a 64 case according to the date code.

Last edited by rfs56trk; 08/18/2023 9:12 PM.

1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
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'Bolter
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Thanks Bill

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'Bolter
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RFS56trk,

Thanks for decoding for me. Two questions, what does the 64 mean for the casing and what told you it was a Muncie and not a Saginaw?

John

Joined: Feb 2004
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H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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A Saginaw case is considerably longer, and the side cover has 7 bolts instead of 4. It also has a synchronized 1st. gear. The Saginaw 4 speed uses a very similar case shape, and Reverse is moved to a different shaped rear housing to make room for the 4th. forward speed in the main box. Borg-Warner did something similar back in the 1950's with their T-85 heavy duty 3 speed and the T-10 4 speed.
Jerry


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As HRL stated 4 bolt side cover units are Muncie's even though some of them were made in the Saganaw plant.
The transmission you have is likely from a Nova or Chevelle with the correct truck side cover. A 64-66 truck would
have had a short tail housing. (except for overdrive units). GM changed the gear "pitch" in 64 and none of the
internal components interchange with the 63 and earlier units. It may be a bit more "heavy duty" than the earlier
transmissions as some of the gears are slightly wider.
Fred


1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine

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