The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3 Speed in 48 Chevrolet 3600

I want to get rid of the torque tube in the '48 3800 yet retain a 3 speed. Can I use a 3 speed from a 50's or 60's car or truck? If so, will the shift lever cover from the '48 fit on the open drive line 3 speed?

Thanks for the help.

I would like to do this also. Hopefully someone on here has done this, and will give some insight.

I'm confused about the question. Doesn't a 3800 already have an open driveline? I know some early 3/4 tons had a torque tube to a carrier bearing and then an open driveshaft back to the rear. I am nearly certain that all 1 ton pickups had an open driveline from at least 1947 on.

To answer your question, yes a car or later truck 3 speed will fit. Do you have a 3 on the tree? Many times the linkage can be modified to work. A better choice would be to replace the 3 speed with a 4 speed or even 5 speed. The transmission floor cover would likely need to have a hump if you went that route.

Something still is making sence to me about this post. Is this a 3600 or a 3800? It makes it difficult to give you a complete and accurate answer when I don't know if your truck is a 3/4 ton, 1 ton, or other.

Yes, you can use a later 3 speed in your 3600. You'll need to modify the shift arms a little depending in the transmission you choose, and you'll also have to replace the the driveshaft to the carrier bearing with an open one as you can no longer use the torque tube.


"Something still is making sence to me about this post. Is this a 3600 or a 3800?"

If he's got a stock 3 speed in it, it's a 3600.

Sorry that was a type-o. I have a 3600 3/4 ton with the tube to the center bearing. I have a 3 speed from a '65 Chev. truck sitting on the shelf and it looks as if I can put my '48 3 speed side cover on the '65 3 speed and not have to modify the shift linkage.

Does anyone know where I can get a rebuild kit or parts to do a rebuild on the 3 speeds?

Thanks!

Starting in 1955 Chevrolet made the low-rev slider gear wider so your 48 shift fork will not fit over it. You can grind the fork wider to fit the gear (which I have done) and then the 48 cover will fit.

Could I not put the '48 low/reverse gear in the post '55 3 speed? Or can the post '55 shift fork fit the '48 side cover?

Chev went to a very coarse spline on the outside of the syncro drum, which is what the first-rev slider fits on, in 1955.
Most truck shift covers have one shift lever on the outside pointing up and one pointing down. If both transmissions have the same lever set-up you should be able to use the later cover or......