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| | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 96 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 96 | Happy Thanksgiving to all,
My question is which tranny has more options for a 46 Burb to be driven on today's highways? Mine originally had a 3 spd, I understand that to go to a 4 spd I may not gain anything due to the top gears being the same. Does anyone make differnt gear sets for the 4 spd? Would like to maintain originality to a point, like brake and clutch connectionc etc. Just want a bit more highway-ability, not 80-90 mph. Thanks, Richard
Richard J Patrick - 1946 Suburban
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | With the early motor and bellhousing, combined with the torque tube rear, you have very few options.
Are you planning to change anything aside from the transmission?
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 96 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 96 | Not sure, I had not planned on it. It had a 3 spd in it but it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I have since found a floor board for a 4 spd that is in really great shape so that got me to thinking maybe I should look for a 4 spd. What other differences are there?
I have located a 235 engine that is currently at a mchine shop getting redone.
Are there other things that I should change as well?
Thanks for your response, Richard
Richard J Patrick - 1946 Suburban
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 65 old truck heaven | | old truck heaven Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 65 | Hi:
The 4 speed is not going to do anything for you except give you a very low granny gear in first. To get to some highway speeds 55+ you would need to change the rear axle gears. I do believe they are available at Patrick's in Tucson AZ. You will the speed on the highway but sacrifice power up the hills.
Brian | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 | You will have to change the u-joint as well. Actually half of it needs to be changed when you go to the 4 speed. They are on eBay fairly often in NOS condition. I have had an NOS 3 speed and an NOS 4 speed in my '45 1/2 ton truck. Here is my advice to you. Stick with the 3 speed. Here's why. The GM 4 speed trans of the era is not synchronized and that can be a problem with braking if you miss a downshift. You'll be playing the 3 pedal 2-step in a panic type brake situation. (I don't care how you drive, they will come up when you least expect them)
The 3 speed is synchronized in 2 and 3rd gears, so a nice 3 to 2 downshift with brakes on really helps slow the vehicle down quickly. No need to blip the accelerator to get back to second because of non-sychronization.
I also have the 3.55 gears and they are well worth the expense and effort. Additionally, I have a Truckstell torque tube Overdrive which you cut the torque tube for installation. They are not common, so don't get your hopes up but keep an eye out for guys scrapping original drivelines when they destroy, uh "rod" their vehicle.
Stick with the 3 speed and get the 3.55's , you will be quite happy. The 3 speed is rebuildable and there should be a few around for parts. | | |
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