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#30222 08/28/2002 10:13 AM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 9 Member | | Member Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 9 | hi there people i have a 1946 1/2 tonner with a 235 engine 4 speed crash box torque tube drive shaft origional diff can i use a 54 diff and open driveshaft can or what can i use for the box to couple up meaning also change the box to a more modern gearbox floor change i havent come across a 54 box yet is there anything else i can use and does it fit in without big hassles thankyous very much for an answer cheers pete the plumber
p j a
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#30223 08/28/2002 7:10 PM | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | Pete, you can change to a SM420 gearbox which is a synchro 4 speed that came in the 49-up trucks. It will work with the closed driveshaft although you may have to use a later bellhousing too but it will bolt right in. I have one but shipping it to NZ might be difficult.
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A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | |
#30224 08/28/2002 7:57 PM | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | Besides the SM420, an SM465 (newer model) bolts to the same bellhousing. 420 has reverse to the left, 465 to the right. Unless, do y'all drive on the wrong side down there?  There is also a kit that Patricks sell that adapts to an open shaft. Don't know if it will work for your truck, though.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
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#30225 08/29/2002 2:16 AM | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 9 Member | | Member Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 9 | Do take note, though, that the SM-420 and the SM-465 have different bearing retainer sizes, so the -465 will not fit pre-'68 B'housings  . Model: SM-420 - Bearing Retainer/Bell housing opening size: 4 11/16" Model: SM-465 - Bearing Retainer/Bell housing opening size - 5 1/8" | | |
#30226 08/29/2002 3:39 AM | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,096 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,096 | pete , I have the '55 open drive diff and old crunchy 4 spd in my '40 .
This entailed an adaption for the front U joint .
But wait a little , as I am going to fit a 54 setup into a '37 very soon , will post more later . | | |
#30227 08/29/2002 5:01 AM | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | Do take note, though, that the SM-420 and the SM-465 have different bearing retainer sizes, so the -465 will not fit pre-'68 B'housings Thanks, Erik. I forget about that. Easily cured with a little lathe work, though.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
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