The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Open drive transmission

I got a 235 that I want to put a standard trans open drive and keep column shift. I'm gonna run 15" art's with 5.60-15 so I'm planning on using a toyota rearend to keep the six lug pattern. My question is what kinda of saginaw trans would let me keep my column shift ? 3spd,4spd or a t5

Thanks for what ever help can be provided.

3 speed. There were some 4 speed column shift transmissions, but they would not be compatible with a GM truck column shifter.

actually this is going in a 47 fleetmaster but the motor is out of a truck :> column shifter should be the same ???

I've seen a 4-speed column shift but its going to be a challenge to create one for your Chevy.

The most workable solution I've seen used the column shift for 1st through 4th and an under dash cable to engage reverse.

sounds like a 3 spd is the simple way to go

would a 3 spd from a 55 truck work fine or is a new saginaw better ? maybe some one could give me some info on the differences in years on the saginaw 3spd.

A 55 3 speed would work just fine. Same basic trans through 67, although the later version (62-up)has a shorter tail shaft. These transmissions are non-syncro in 1st gear and have a 4 bolt side cover. Car transmissions can also be used. The later Saginaw (68-70) trans has a 7 bolt side cover, full syncro, and a fine spline output shaft. It will require some modification to the shift rods as the side cover spacing and arms are different.
Fred

I'm not so sure about the car bellhousings and the interchange, but I am 99% certain they had a different bolt pattern for the transmissions than the trucks did in 1947. Maybe you can post a picture of your bellhousing and we might be able to identify one that will allow for the modern transmissions mentioned.

here the only picture I got right now

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss318/J-KATZ/Mobile%20Uploads/0928101524a95333579.jpg

Ok guy's thanks very much for the 411. I got a freebie from my pops today an wow it looks like the right one can anyone comment on what year or any info ? it's got 7 bolt, short shaft, an electric plug I'm assuming for a reverse light and is does NOT have fine spline out put shaft.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss318/J-KATZ/My%20Cars/1947%20fleetmaster/P1010057.jpg

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss318/J-KATZ/My%20Cars/1947%20fleetmaster/P1010059.jpg

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss318/J-KATZ/My%20Cars/1947%20fleetmaster/P1010061.jpg

It's not a SM318. I wouldn't know what it is though.

the id is " S9D16 " and going by the chart I came across is a saginaw 3spd 1969 april 16 but not 100% sure I'm decoding it right.

You've got a Saginaw full-synchro 3 speed, not sure of the application. It's a much more desirable transmission than the older one- - - -less likelihood of grinding gears going to 1st. while rolling up to a stop. You can also use 1st. as a traffic gear without coming to a full stop if you don't try to engage it above 10 MPH or so. The leverage and shifter throw will be different than the original trans. I believe yours had a vacuum-assisted shift linkage originally, so some modifications are going to be necessary, probably including fabricating shift arms similar to the ones on your original transmission.
Jerry

thanks for the good info looks like my pops came thru with that trans.my burb has the long cone type tail shaft and I believe I know what your mentioning about grinding.


what are they talking about in this chart where they mention "grooves" ?(it's in the 4th block of info)
http://www.dandltransmission.com/saginaw.html

Some of the transmissions have shallow grooves ground into the spline on the input shaft where the clutch fits. Depending on the number of grooves, it identifies the gear ratio progression for the transmission.
Jerry