The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 4spd out 3 spd in

How hard is it to take a 4spd out of a 51 Chevy 1/2 ton and put in a 54 3spd. What all would I have to do. Thanks Virg
PS the 51 has a 216 running the 54 has a 235 not running

First, read the Shop Manual.

The 3-sp and 4-sp transmissions are the same length but 3-sp and 4-sp u-joints are different. Just use the u-joint from the 3-sp.

You will have to use your 51's clutch-housing and you might as well use the 51's clutch assembly.

The 54 will not have a mount at the rear of the transmission but you should be able to use your 51's transmission mount on the rear of the 3-speed.

Tim

Oops, you will, of course, have to install all the 3-speed shift linkages, the 3-speed shifter box on the lower end of the steering column, and the 3-speed shifter arm and collar on the upper end of the steering column. Are there already holes in the upper end of the steering column for the shifter arm/collar?

Here's another complexity to consider:

The 54 3-speed has a different set of shift linkages and steering column shifter box and rod than was used prior to 1954.

The 53 and earlier parts should work fine in your 51 but the 54 parts (shifter box) would attach to the steering column in a different location.

For what year do you have all the 3-speed shifter parts?

Tim

How about I put in an aftermarket floor shift on the 3spd? Virg

Maybe someone who has put in a floor shift will post information. That would certainly be easier and it would avoid a variety of problems associated with the shift linkage and shift box.

Tim