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| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 98 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 98 | I'm restoring a '41 1/2 ton. The engine is a '54 235, and the tranny was a shot 3 speed. I picked up a free 4 speed that came from a '51. The owner thought the tranny was original to the '51. My "new" 4 speed measures about 14 inches front to back while the old 3 speed only measured about 11 inches. Is there any possible way that the new one will fit (or is this wishful thinking)? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 90 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 90 | If I'm not mistaken the first thing you need to do is change bellhousings, the early trannies and later trannies take different mounting holes, you also now have to relocate your pedals or fabricate a custom bracket since the original bellhousing has the pedal mounts, now you are ready to address the driveline, the early and late torque tubes and rearends are different lengths and widths.
I'm sure someone else with a bit more info will be along soon.
Ray | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | The Art Deco 1/2 tons torque tubes were about 1.5 - 2" shorter then the Advance Design torque tubes. And as already stated youll have to rig up new pedal mounts and swap bell housings to the later type.
Jeff | | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | What Ray and Jeff said. It is very difficult to start swapping out transmissions in a 1/2 ton deco truck and keep the torque tube. Most swaps require swapping out the rear axle, or at least the pumpkin, and welding on new axle mounts. The torque tube is mounted to the springs with a pivot mount. The torque tube prevents the axle from rolling and also helps deliver maximum amount of torque. when going to an open driveline it is always necessary to remove the old mounts and weld new spring perches on that will keep the axle from rolling.
If you decide to swap out axles or go with an open driveline, you will open up many more options for transmissions. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Do you have to change the bellhousing? I have a 56 235" butted up against my 49 3 speed with no problem. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 98 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 98 | Thanks for the information everyone. Sounds like it would be easier to find the correct sized transmission. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | Do you have to change the bellhousing? I have a 56 235" butted up against my 49 3 speed with no problem. I believe its 47 and earlier for the older bellhousing with the brackets that mount to it. | | |
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