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| | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 | 54 3100 3spd all original.
Did some searching with nothing specific to this issue.
Finally got the truck drivable, at least around the neighborhood.
First gear has an awful noise. Second and third are great. I'm guess First won't be used much, but I like things to work like they should.
Any common problems to First gear only? Could it self destruct if I keep driving it? Just curious, as I like to take a quick trip around the block, as I fix things.
Thanks,
Jeff
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 150 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 150 | If the truck is "new to you", you might start by changing the oil in the transmission. It can be surprising seeing what drains out.
What is reverse like?
You may have to remove the side cover and take a peek inside. Some "good help" should chime in here soon to assist. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | Can you describe the "awful noise"? The older Chev tranny's had a "gear whine" in first and second even when new, high gear should be quiet. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | you'll be useing 1st gear every time you come off the line, and as a result of 56 years of that along with no tellin how much abuse, things get worn - not likely it'll suddenly self destruct, but it won't get better with time  first thing to do is drain the lube, see how ugly it is and check for metal particles Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 | I'll drain the trans tonight, and see what, if anything is in there.
The noise is not a typical "Granny Gear" whine, but a continual knock,knock,knock.
Thanks,
Jeff | | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | "knock,knock,knock" likely chipped teeth
Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 13 | Thanks Guys!!
Very little if any oil was in the tranny, and it looks to be atf.
First/Reverse is shot. It also appears that the counter gear is rounded on the edge but no chipped teeth.
I wonder if I can only replace First/Reverse.
Thanks Again,
Jeff | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 | There are a lot of old transmissions like yours around. If it has run dry, you might be well starting with one thats in better shape to begin with. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 | I just replaced one for a 54 3100 for a customer. It sounded horrible and would not stay in 1st gear. The first/reverse slider had most of the teeth broken off and the low gear on the cluster was toast as well. I found one from a fellow bolter for a reasonable price. I got a quote from my local gear supplier for almost $800 for the parts to fix it.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
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