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Current dilimma. I have installed a 1954 235 in my 1946 half ton in a ground up restioation and am wondering what options exist for transmission selection. I know of the T-5 swap but what other options are there for a limited budget, lack of knowledge and enclosed drive shaft?

The only original options, requiring no driveshaft alterations, would be a three speed or a crash box four speed. Patrick's, in Casa Grande, AZ, has an adapter for a torque tube to Saginaw four speeds and Larrowe in Oregon has gearsets to convert the Saginaw to an overdrive forth gear, but that is very pricy.

I would think an older manual 4 or 3 speed would be your best options for the money. There are lots of trucks sitting around in Maricopa and North Phoenix with original transmissions that are probably pretty cheap.

Good luck!

Not many options for an enclosed driveshaft! Not many for a low budget either! Some transmissions make more sense than others when it comes to gear selection, shifter location, speedometer hookup and general adaptability to your chasis. Figure out what it is you want to do with your truck, and then figure out a transmission that is in touch with your budget.

A t-5 is a pretty good low budget transmission, but it will also require rear axle work... which will increas the total install cost. You will also need an adapter plate between your bellhousing and transmission. This could also cost anywhere from $200- $800.