The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Three on the tree tranny

I have a 53 3100 and was woundering if a three speed from a early 80's chevy truck with a straight six would go into my 235 realtivly easy? I ask because i want to change the rear end out and if i could use the 80's tranny it might make life easier?
Any help would be great.
Thanks

As long as it's a bolt in, should work. You may have to tweak with the shift rods as to length etc. A buddy of mine swapped in a later Chev 3 speed with overdrive to a 40's car, had to revamp shift levers at the column but it was no big deal.

Depends on your definition of 'easy'. Most guys have to cut and re-locate the tranny crossmember to fit the later trannys into pre '55 trucks. I don't know if the clutch will work with a later tranny, or if the later tranny will bolt to a 235 bellhousing.
Also, you have to use the rear axle from a S-10 truck or something to get the hub-to-hub width right. Then have a custom driveshaft cut to fit, after you re-engineer the rear suspension. I think the leaf spring perches are in a different location than most post-55 vehicles.

Later trannies and rear ends are a popular swap for those who want to drive their trucks at highway speeds. Just takes work and junkyard huntin'. Im sure somebody can tell you exactly what parts you'll need.

chip