The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 41 drivetrain conversion

OK guys. I've been lurking in the background on this forun for awhile, and here's my big idea/question. I set out to restore my 41 1/2 ton, but the first thing I noticed was that the cab is different that a regular 41 i.e. no step in the firewall. The next thing I notice was in tearing down my tranny for a rebuild, that the main bearing retainer had more than 4 bolt holes. When I replaced my rear axle seals, the ring gear was riveted on. Among other differences. Well, it turns out that my drivetrain is actually a 39. With that in mind, I've decided to take the plunge and update the drivetrain, while keeping the 61 235 I'm currently rebuilding. My idea is this: Get one of the 47-53 bellhousings from Jim Carter, put a 4-speed saginaw from a chevelle behind it, use the patrick's shifter with a 41 stick, and end up with a s-10 blazer differential with 3:73 gears. Any thoughts?

There is some 235 parts on ebay. I search for 235 chev* I have seen flywheels, bellhousings and complete engines going for under 200 bucks. I'm converting my 35 chev master car to a 235. I started looking locally and found an abundance of these old engines. Put a wanted add in the thrifty nickel paper. If you have one in your area.

Good luck.

Brent

Plan sounds pretty good. I'd go with a taller rear end than the 3.73 though. I updated my '37 1/2 ton to a '55-'59 driveline. 235 with a SM-420 tranny and put in Patricks 3.38 ring & pinion. Gearing is still too low for my liking. I start in third, shift to fourth and at 45 mph I'm looking for another gear. I'm running pretty small tires though. Unless you are going to run tall tires or an overdrive, I would look for the tallest rear end ratio that you can find. I think a 2.73 or 3.08 ratio would work out pretty sweet. The 235 isn't a real rev happy motor.