The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop open drive line swap in a 51 with 3 on the tree

hello all,
So i have a 51 deluxe half ton doing a complete frame off restoration...taking my time...been 17 years and counting now. Anyways, I have heard i can use my stock rear axle housing, just need to unbolt the stock pumpkin and torque tube, reinstall a pumpkin out of a another half ton up to 1962ish?? My question is, i want to keep my stock 3 speed on the column. what do i need to do for a replacement driveline? do i need one made or can i go wrecking yard shopping? please help! jeff

well, you can keep the torque tube and the 3 speed and the rearend, only if you keep it the way it is, or change the gears to a 3.55. If you want to move to an open driveline, you will also need a new transmission. The later open drive 3 speeds will likely be able to fit your bill. You may have to modify the linkages, however.

thanks for the info. wasnt sure if i could use the stock 3 speed with a open driveline. its been 5 years since i last saw it in my shed. finally have a garage to restore my baby since 1993!

new question i guess. what year did they ditch granny low in the 3 speed? say if i found a 60's 3 speed.

Granny low was on the 4 speed, not the 3 speed trans.