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#63170 07/18/2006 4:26 PM | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 | I have a 56 Chevy 1/2 ton with the original 3-speed Saginaw column shift transmission, and I am looking to convert it to overdrive.
The overdrive transmissions that I've found for sale are either coded R10Q or R10H on the tailshafts. What is the difference between the two (if any at all)?
I've searched through the archives and the best guess that I can come up with is that the R10Q was used in trucks and the R10H was used in cars. Other than that, are there any differences in the two and would they both swap easily with the original three speed saginaw?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!! | | |
#63171 07/18/2006 5:57 PM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | any 3spd, OD or not, car or truck, from 55 to the 70's or so will bolt directly in yer truck, just make sure you keep the shift arms and rods from yours cuz the car and later trucks were different - the really important part is that the solenoid on it be good, they're scarce
Bill | | |
#63172 07/18/2006 6:26 PM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 324 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 324 | Borg Warner also made these over drive transmissions and was used in these trucks with the same over drive tail shafts. I think that the Saginaws are not as prevelent as the Borg Warner. Both transmissions will work. If you find a Saganaw you can convert the 4 speed to an over drive although both transmissions need to be Saginaws. The Saginaw overdrive will have a casting of R10Q-1 on it.
Tom | | |
#63173 07/19/2006 2:11 AM | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | If I remeber corectly, the "Q" version of the Borg-Warner o/d was used with the later full syncro SM 326 trans, and is slightly shorter to keep the same overall length because the 326 trans is slightly longer than the 318. Either one will fit, I've read that the 326/Q version is stronger than the 318/H. I have the 318/H in mine, love it. red58 is right about the electrics, especially the solenoid. And new ones are not being made. You can fake it on some of the peices, however. I used a 50 amp rated headlamp relay for the activation relay, I also installed a switch to cut power to the relay when not in use. The wireing harness is readily available from most aftermarket sources, the are meant for v-8, but will work with 6 cylinder with no problems.
In my area, the average selling price is $100-150,US.
Bill Burmeister
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#63174 07/19/2006 3:06 AM | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 7 | Great information, guys! I really appreciate the help!! | | |
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