The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk more questions

Thanks, guys, with the help on the 15-inch wheel question. Here are two more.

1st A Q&A reader bought a snub nosed GMC cabover in Montana but has no title. The serial # is F354 24P6562. What's the year?

2nd How is the rear seal replaced on a 1950 Chevy 3spd transsmission? Does the dariveshft and 3rd member need to be removed?

Your answers will be in the OCW Q&A.

Looks to be a '51 model according to this document from oldgmctrucks.com

If it is a '51 it should have wing windows in he doors and turn down outside handles, the only year for this set-up.

let me preface my response by saying that i know pretty close to nothing about GMC trucks, but when i looked into this (boring day at the office), i came up with the following: "F" indicates that it is a cab over engine configuration "354 24" is a 1954 model with a 179" wheelbase, "P" is the Pontiac (I assume Michigan) assembly plant and "6562" is the sequence number. I'm ready for my pot shots.

For some reason my link wasn't a link in my previous post. I've fixed it. Look at the document. 354 does indeed indicate a 2-ton with a 179" wheel base. 24 indicates a 248 engine. P designates Pontiac assembly plant. Sequence number 6562 falls in the range for 1951 production. Had it been a 1954 there would be a Z preceding the sequence number.

OK, but at least I got some of it right, huh? I think i'll stick with chevy #'s; they're easier to decipher. btw, i enjoyed the site.

Remove the bolts that hold the ball retainer at the rear of the transmission and slide the universal ball back, exposing the universal joint. Remove the speedometer cable from the tail housing to avoid damaging it. Bend the retaining tabs down and remove the four bolts holding the universal joint together, and either tie the driveshaft up or let it drop. Remove the transmission shift linkage, then the transmission is ready to remove. Do not mess with the third member.

I guess this is more of a question than a answer.

Does the three speed transmission in question actually have a rear seal?

I was under the impression that the sealless construction allowed some lubricant to escape into the u-joint/bell area.

Stuart

To follow up on Stuart's response, there is no seal shown in the Shop Manual.

There is a rear bearing and a bearing support that might get worn. Stuart is correct about oil from the transmission moving back to lubricate the u-joint in its enclosure.

There are a few seals in the u-joint enclosure and a seal at the u-joint end of the driveshaft (in its enclosure). Are these the seals in question?

Maybe this is a trick question (just a joke)? If someone knows about a rear seal in a '50 1/2 ton 3-speed, maybe a picture could be posted from a Shop Manual?

Looking for info on 1946 GMC FMC/Bean body.Mostly on the body I'm new to this web site so i'm still learning. Great site. Looking forwardn\ to restoring this truck. Thanks for your help.