The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop transmission options for 54 chevy

Jcome spring i plan on changing the rear end out for an open drive line. I've located a couple of rear ends 1 is late 60's and the other is early 60's both have 3:73 ratio gearing. I have three 4 speed transmissions 2 are from a 64 chevy and 1 is behind a 250 inline year i believe is 66.

Will they match up to my 235 and bolt right on??

I'm also looking at the option of putting a T5 from an S10 in. what is the durability of the T5. I use this as a truck and haul an 8 foot trailer with it. I've got a ranger that i've put a 150,000 miles on it pulling the same trailer and loaded with tools and hauling carpet. ranger has a 5 speed. i have slipped the clutch sometimes but nothing major just need to replace the slave cylinder at the moment.

will the 4 speeds get my rpms lower??? they seem to be a bit more durable due to being on bigger trucks than the S10 might be????
I just want to go the best route with out having to jump thru to many loops.

Your 4-speeds are all the same as what was available in your '54 and all have a direct final drive. No overdrive so no RPM reduction.

It sounds like the rear end choice really comes down to which is in better condition, or easier to install. Assuming you have stock gears now you will get a little RPM reduction from the change.

The T-5 does have an overdrive and would give you some RPM reduction, but most versions of it are real stout. You may be fine using it, but I'd be worried about using it and pulling a trailer. Even the stouter T-5's were never used in trucks or bigger cars.

Just how heavy is this trailer? Maybe its small enough not to matter, and maybe its big enough you're nuts to consider using the T-5.

the trailer is 4feet wide 8 foot long. i use it constantly with my 2000 ford ranger. ranger has 5 speed with 3.0 v-6 motor. the rear end went out of it a couple months ago. with all my tools that i carry the most carpet and pad i've had on has been a bit over 1800 square ft at one time. it lugs me down on the hills.

i'm wanting to get the 54 setup as my primary use vehical. need something that will last. the T5 is in a ranger sized vehical. granted the 54 ain't much bigger but might be heavier built.
so that is why I posted this question to see what everyone else thought or might have experienced.
i talked with a guy today that builds t5's and he said they put them in vehicals and soup them up and run them hard and fast with i think he said nitrous oxide?? not sure it that can screw things up but sounds like it might.

If you have a 3.73 rear, you don't really need an overdrive. The 4 speeds that GM used in 50's and 60's were the toughest part of the whole truck. If you keep oil in them, they will run forever.

I was wondering what was the model no on the 4 spd transmisson. I am looking to do a similar swap in my 60.And I was wondering does it bolt right up to the same bell houseing as the saginaw 3 spd.And also have the same spline count.

SM420, used from '47-'67 (later on certain miltary applications). Very tough trans with a 7.05:1 first gear. Other than perhaps some driveshaft differences and a differetn transmission cover on the floorpan, it's a direct bolt in.

my uncles 66 gmc 3/4 ton had the 4 speed tranny in it and not sure what the rearend was probably 3:73 when i had it i don't remember winding it up like a 9 day clock. you could run 55 or 60 easy. still doing research but am leaning towards 4 speed in front of a 3:73. then i will have to figure out how to attach the axel to the truck. :/

That must be the world's most powerful Ranger- - - - - -it pulls 75 tons? I think there are some railroads that might be interested in that one!
Jerry

Were did you get 75 tons at? That is 1800 square feet of carpet and pad. This phone does give me typos sometimes that I don't catch.

thank you for the information.I really appreciate the help.

Did that 150,000 "miles" use to read "pounds", ot did I mis-read?
Jerry

I think a T-5 will work good behind a 235. It will be the best of two worlds. You can use 4th on hard pulls with the trailer & cruise with 5th gear. A lot of them have 4.03 first gear & would be good to get it going. I think it will hold up unless you try to blow it.

That's 150,000 MILES!!!