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| | | Forums66 Topics128,067 Posts1,055,877 Members48,428 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 | Hi so I have a 1953 1/2 ton suburban, with a 1956 235. I have a 57 car rear that has 3.36.
Can I use the t5 if i dont go into 4th or 5th with overdrive? ( I guess im thinking it seems logical that I could use all 5 gears with the o.d. off, or go up to like third with the od on, if Im on a back country road and wanna save on gas?
Would this wok?
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | You should be able to find a different center section with some 3:70 or 4:11 gears without much trouble. A T5 with a 3:36 and a 235 would make for a not so fun driving experience, especially in your area with the grades you have to pull. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 | so i haven't bout the wheels for the 57 passenger rear yet, should I just find like a 57 truck rear for like 100 instead of dropping 200 for two wheels? Lol I thought the gears would be great but I really want overdrive | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | That would give you a 3:90 ratio. That paired with a T5 would make a nice combination. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | A 1955-62 1/2 ton center section will bolt into your 1953 axle housing. You will need to change the mounts to solid spring pads.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 159 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 159 | Hi so I have a 1953 1/2 ton suburban, with a 1956 235. I have a 57 car rear that has 3.36.
Can I use the t5 if i dont go into 4th or 5th with overdrive? ( I guess im thinking it seems logical that I could use all 5 gears with the o.d. off, or go up to like third with the od on, if Im on a back country road and wanna save on gas?
Would this wok? You do know on the T5 5th gear is the overdrive and you can not turn it on or off
1938 Gmc 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | I'm running the t5 with 3.55 with 255/60 rears and love it. Easy 65 on the freeway in 5th and 4th in town often.
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 | So I got the 57 1/2 ton rear end today. would it be eaiser to swap the entire rear end, or just the third member?
"A 1955-62 1/2 ton center section will bolt into your 1953 axle housing. You will need to change the mounts to solid spring pads".----ok how would I do this? Do I need a kit like lmc has?
so the t5 is just a 5 speed not a 10 speed? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 | It's a 5 speed, 5th gear is Overdrive
Tommy 59 apache 1/2t 261 short stepside | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | I'd just change the center section. You will need to weld the spring pads so they are locked in place. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | You might just want to put the t5 in ad see how you like the gearing. The t5 came with different overdrive ratios so you need to keep that in mind too.
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 639 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 639 | He will still have to change out the rear end to get rid of the torque tube. | | |
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