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| | | Forums66 Topics128,035 Posts1,055,549 Members48,425 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 | I found a T85N 3 speed overdrive for sale. Says it has a R11 tailshaft and that it is out of a ford vehicle from the mid to late 60's. Will this work in my 59 Apache 3200 to replace the old 3 speed Saginaw? Or do I need something totaly different? 1959 Apache 3200, Standard Cab, Big Window, Fleetside, 235/3spd, Original Paint 1964 C20 Standard Cab, Fleetside, 283/Power Glide, A/C, Pwr Steering, Pwr Brakes, NoSpin | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 547 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 547 | If it's out of a Ford then it will not be a direct bolt in, bolt pattern will be different. You would be better of getting a different unit. There is always a few on Ebay if you want to venture there. Can also be found at swapmeets. Bolt pattern is the main thing.
58' 3200 235 3-speed/OD
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 | I guess a SM318 is the direct bolt in? 1959 Apache 3200, Standard Cab, Big Window, Fleetside, 235/3spd, Original Paint 1964 C20 Standard Cab, Fleetside, 283/Power Glide, A/C, Pwr Steering, Pwr Brakes, NoSpin | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,966 | I would guess the 3-speed you have now is a SM-318. No?
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 | From what I have read the SM-318 and SM-326 came with or without overdrives. The three speed that came in our old trucks can not have overdrive added to them because they are different than the above models. At least that is what I understand. The Borg Warner T85N's I have read came mostly in Fords but will bolt up to our old truck bell housings and are the proper length, but I am not sure if this is true or not. Especially after what "Apachefiend" said above. These old overdrive trannys are a little confusing sometimes! I have found a few different one to buy but I don't know which one to get. 1959 Apache 3200, Standard Cab, Big Window, Fleetside, 235/3spd, Original Paint 1964 C20 Standard Cab, Fleetside, 283/Power Glide, A/C, Pwr Steering, Pwr Brakes, NoSpin | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | Bolt pattern will be wrong, ford used a different pattern. The only GM application I know of for this trans was some Pontiacs used it in the mid '60s. A better choice for an overdrive would be to find an SM 318 or 326 with the Borg-Warner overdrive. Those are a direct bolt in (the 326 is slightly longer). The overdrive unit has to be used with it's companion trans, though, as there are differences in the case and mainshaft to allow for the overdrive. Other options include the T5 and the GM version fo the A883 (M86Y) trans. Those are both floor shift.
Bill Burmeister | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 | Thanks LONGBOX55! I will focus on the SM 318. 1959 Apache 3200, Standard Cab, Big Window, Fleetside, 235/3spd, Original Paint 1964 C20 Standard Cab, Fleetside, 283/Power Glide, A/C, Pwr Steering, Pwr Brakes, NoSpin | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | No problwm. Don't just limit yourself to searching for truck versions, the passenger car version is almost identical, and will bolt right in as well.
Bill Burmeister | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 | Anyone,
Does the SM318 or the SM326 have a syncro first gear?
Thanks 1959 Apache 3200, Standard Cab, Big Window, Fleetside, 235/3spd, Original Paint 1964 C20 Standard Cab, Fleetside, 283/Power Glide, A/C, Pwr Steering, Pwr Brakes, NoSpin | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | The 318 is non-syncro, the 326 is.
Bill Burmeister | | |
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