The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 4spd to 3spd column: some questions

OK, I've wrestled a 59-62 261 with 3spd Muncie and BW OD into my 53 3100 4spd and while waiting on an open driveline rear end to appear I gathered a column shift assembly from an AD pickup. Of course it came in pieces.

I'm needing a picture or schematic to help me hook up the shift rods to shifter and transmission. I did a search of the site but could find nothing. Anyone got a link to one or something they can copy and send?

Can I use the AD column shift assembly on the later year Muncie 3spd or do I need the column shift from a 59-62 3 spd truck?

If I can use the AD column shift and linkage,Is the shift linkage generic or is it specific to the brand of transmission?

finally I keep hearing about the 420 4 speed transmissions. The 4 spd I pulled has the following numbers 591568 or it might be 391568 and on the other side of the top plate is cast 483. It doesn't have a 420 number on it anywhere I can find. Is this a 420 or something else? Does it have any value beyond scrap (trans looked good when I pulled the top cover).

Thanks for any help.
Jerry in really wet SW Washington

Picture is on the bottom of this page. Good luck

Curt B.

http://chevy.tocmp.com/1948_51truckshop/51ctsm0702.htm

Thanks much Curt. I think I can hook it up using the pics. Didn't realize there was a bell crank
involved.
Jerry

Jerry,
The picture showing a bell crank in not representative of 56-59 trucks and the 60'are altogether different. The 55 second series looks like the illustration but in the 56-59 the shift levers are pointed down and the rods are hooked up directly from the shift box to the shift arms.
On the 55 the pivot is on the bellhousing and you probably do not have that bellhousing. I would look for the shift rods and box from a 56-59 which should mount up to your existing column. You may also need the corresponding side cover on the transmission to make everything fit
Fred