I have a 46 1/2 ton Chevy truck. It has a 216 engine. Currently I have a 3 speed on the floor. I want to put a 4 speed transmission crash box (590484) in my truck which I have. I believe I need a 839210 bell housing. It would house the starter and have a place on either side for the stomp starter. I’m pretty sure the 3 speed bell housing will not work. Any help would be appreciated.
1946 Chevy Truck 216 1/2 ton "Tales from a weekend mechanic" Follow in the DITY
I’m pretty sure the 3 speed bell housing will not work.
I'm pretty sure the 3 speed bell housing WILL work. I'm also pretty sure someone will be along to confirm that.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Your existing bell housing for your '46 should be Casting# 839257 per the 1929-54 Chevy Master Parts Book (excerpt below). It's listed as used on all 1938-47 Commercial and Utility Trucks, with no specific transmission listed. Same part listed in later 1957 and 1962 versions of the Chevy Master Parts Books. So confirmed it will support both the 3 and 4 speed transmissions.
Not sure where you got the "839210" number as it doesn't show in any of my Chevrolet Master Parts Books for truck bell housings.
Sounds like it's time to move on to the next step.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow 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)
According to the Hollander which is the interchange book which is what wrecking yards used for many years 1938-1947 Chev 1/2 ton through 2 ton used the same clutch housing. A 2 ton would have had a 4 speed. So you should have no problem installing a 4 speed on the clutch housing.
Guess I should have asked here first! I was thinking that in a thread on SB that the conversation was about 2 different bell housings so I have been searching everywhere. Well this is a big relief.
1946 Chevy Truck 216 1/2 ton "Tales from a weekend mechanic" Follow in the DITY
Three speed housing will work. The difference you will find is the mounting bracket for the mastercylinder, brake and clutch mounts. The 4 speed is a lot wider than the 3 speed - much bigger. You'll have to have that bracket. Also, obviously, the 4 speed floor pan.
