The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Floor Shifter on a 51 GMC?

Does anyone know if there was an option in 1951 for a floor shifter? Or were they all on the column? (GMC 1/2 TON) Also, what other options if any were there for the transmission?

I prefer on the floor, thus. . if it was an option, I would change to four on the floor.

Just curious. . . .

Dallas

Greetings, Dallas-Welcome to The 'Bolt.
I'm not totally sure if GMC's were the same as Chevy's of this era, but you could get a floor shifted four speed (SM420) in the Chevy's. You might wish to check out Old Car Kook's website

www.oldgmctrucks.com

for more GMC specific information. He has an interesting site, LOTS of info! Best of luck with your project. If you've got more questions be sure to post 'em-someone here will have an answer!

Regards,
Wannabe

Thanks Wannabe,

I have looked around in there a bit, but cannot find anything backing the fact.

I even went through the original parts list for the 51.

Ill keep looking around, let me know if you guys run into something,

Thanks,

Dallas

GMC trucks in 1951 had either a 3 speed column shift, or a 4 spped floor shifter. My 1951 3/4 ton has the 4 speed floor shifter

Both were available

If you cannot find a 4 speed out your way and are ever in ohio look me up. I know of three junkyards that have alot of 47-53 gm trucks in them and a couple of cab overs. I wish I knew of this web site three years ago,I gave away a 51 chevy 3,4 ton that I had at my propety in michigan and the yahoos I gave it to did not get the parts i wanted off before they dissapeared and it had what you are looking for

Hello again,

I appreciate all the feedback with my project, its coming along!

With what we have been talking about here, I have been able to find sm420's. However they dont have anything on the driveline side.
Or, if they do, its a yoke.

Just this morning I invaded a mouse nest by taking off the bottom tin covers to my bell houseing, and removed my 3-speed. Have no idea how they moved in, but will sure make ya jump back 4 feet, and throw the 7/16 wrench at em.
My wife was wondering why I was screaming like a girl in the garage. . .

Nonetheless, as you all know my 3speed/column is a torque tube or "closed driveline" transmission. How can I get these 4-speeds to work with my driveline? Is there an easy fix?
Can I use parts off the 3speed?

Thanks everyone, and happy restoring!
(especially to those who dug their projects out of an old barn, like me. squeek squeek)

-dallas

Dallas, your post got to me to thinking about maybe starting a thread about wierd critters found in stovebolts! I have seen more bees than I could ever count, and had plenty of close calls with bees in junkyards. Mice? Are you kidding? I have seen mice virtually everywhere from inside an engine to obvious places like gloveboxes, seats, and headliners. The biggest jump I had was a snake nest under a truck. YIKES! Lifted up a board under a junkyard truck and WOWZERS snakes were everywhere. Did some dancing that day!

Those mice will climb into the bellhousing through the inspection cover or timing hole. Rotten little things. I can't stand them.

I battle mice here all the time because of critters and all the grain and hay around. I have not yet found any remedy better than a cat. Mothballs do work on the interior, but then you smell like your grandparents everytime you get out of the truck. I've tried those electronic zappers which will work initially but the mice get used to them within weeks and they are right back.

Glad to see you here on Stovebolt and I'm sure you'll find as many answers to things here as I have. This is a good spot with lots of good folks helping.

Does anyone know if I can use the slip joint off the 3-speed?

Like I mentioned before, It appears all the sm420's I run into have the drivline side either stripped or have the open drivline.

Solutions?

I have hit a brick wall with this.. ..

Maybe when I actually pick up a sm420, I can piece the puzzle together, but would just rather have the knowlege up front.

(sigh)

At least I have evac'd my bell houseing. . .(get it "housing" hehe he)

DONT CHOP IT. . . .restore it!

Later
Dallas

Ok, Ill only ask once more.

Current situation:

Have 3-speed column tranny.
Want 4-speed floor tranny (sm420).

1. I was told the 4-speed will bolt right up to my bell houseing. Please tell me otherwise.

2. I have not been told either way IF I am going to have to do anything to the drivline side. As you know the 3-speed has that slip joint setup. What does the 4 have? Will I need a longer drive shaft? How do they connect?

Just wondering what headache I am creating for myself here...

Any advice is ofcourse appreciated.

Thanks,

Dallas

You need the pre- '54 4 speed from a 1/2 ton truck that has the closed driveline (I just sold one a few months ago)

It will fit the bellhousing just fine.

There is no slip joint on the 4 - speed, it is on the driveshaft. If you go to an open driveline you need one with a slip joint like from a Henry's truck.

I'd like to stay with a closed driveline, to stay as original as possible.

are there any additional parts I need on the drive line side?

-dallas

I bet it just drops in. They wouldn't have two different sets of driveline for 3 and 4 speeds. Do like Josh says, get a pre 54.