The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stick transmission...which one 54?

Hi a question IF I wanted to replace my transmission which was three on the tree and I wanted a stick shift for my 54 3100 open drive line which transmission would I need? I see many of them on ebay but I have no idea which one would work... 3 speed or 4 speed? Any help would be great and thanks , Steve :rolleyes:

Column shift or floor shift?

I replaced an SM420 which had replaced the stock column shift 3 speed with the T5 in my 54. The T5 is by no means a direct bolt-in, but has opened up a whole new dimension in driving for my old truck. I drive it every day, and can't envision my truck without the T5.

I guess it depends on what you want from your truck...if you've got intentions of driving on today's highways I don't think it can be beat!!! If you're planning on pulling stumps and putzing around town the sm420 is a good bet.

However, before you go jumping on any bandwagon, you need to understand that one change will inevitably lead to another. The gearing in an S10 T5 with a .72 or .86 OD will require getting your OD ratio, diff R&Pinion ratio, and tire height all matched up to where your engine is happiest!

There's a bunch of info on different transmission setups in this site....you've just got to figure out which way you want to go based on how much time and money you want to invest and your ultimate goal for your truck.

Dave

i also have the t-5 and love it. ron

If you have an open drive shaft then something has been changed. What gear ratio do you have? Do you want column shift or floor shift? I like the T-5 also. I have one in my 58.

OK....lousy question but good answers. I was thinking of which stick transmission would fit my 1954 235/55 and look and act OEM...I hate three on the tree and would like to SOMEDAY replace my converted column shifter / floor shifter to a real floor stick shift transmission of the 50's era. At the hardware store I saw a 1953 3/4 ton truck with a floor stick shift. My grandfathers 1948 was also a floor three speed what OEM transmission did these trucks use? THANKS Steve

SM 420.

Thanks Bill...where would be the best place to obtain information about this transmission and written for a novice. I have B/W transmission with OD that the PO installed. I would just like to learn about what a set up was comprised of back then for a stick shift 3 or 4 speed... thanks all, Steve

Just do a Google search on SM420, there's lots of info out there.

install a t5 and weld the sm420 stick shift on it you wont regret it

John, nice to hear from you! OK..I'm a dolt, what, who, where, when, is a T-5? I'm transmission challenged! THANKS Waldo, I'll do that but the understanding might be a tad shy! Steve

Hi Steve; The T-5 is a popular swap into our ol' bolts because of it's 5th gear overdrive. Go up to "TECH TIPS" and check out the articles under Transmissions. Hey, did you ever get that Langdon's installed??

Well, I guess I'll be the only vote for keeping the 3spd with OD. Just install a good floor shift conversion. Probably have to make some linkage mods to get the lever in a place that fits your needs. But, the 3 w/od is a great setup when wired correctly. Gives you effectively 6 forward speeds, overdrive and auto shifting between OD and direct.

Thanks KENC and yes my vote also I'll keep mine but wanted to learn a few more things about our bolts.. I hope to have the OD reworked and going again just looking for a good transmission shop to do it and NOT AAMCO if you know what I mean.... any ideas?

waldo53..well no, the truck is in for glass right now when I get it back maybe I will have worked up enough courage and with your help via this site I'll give it well! When are you planning to be up my way for a steak dinner with all the trimmings, shoot you'll have it in in one hour flat and then steak city!..you need a day off..don't you? THANKS, Steve

Steve,
I also vote for retaining the OD. You stated that you were going to have the OD reworked... What is it doing and/or not doing? Be aware that most OD problems are electrical. You can have it rebuilt and still not work if the electrical system is messed up.
Fred

Since you already have an open drive line you can use any trans with open drive line and it will be fine. There are 3 and 4 speeds that both have floor shifts, there are 5 speeds with floor shifts too, so it's kind of your choice. For best mileage use the 5 speed overdrive trans. For most original use the 3 or 4 speed.