The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1947 Advance 1/2 ton with 4 speed

Does anyone have a 1947 1/2 ton with an original 4 speed transmission and the original torque tube setup. I have that configuration and the rear end went out
(locked up - slid to a stop). rather than rebuild the rear end i trew away the old one and picked up anothert out of a 51 from the junj yard. When I bolted it all up, the propeller shaft splines would not reach the splines on the yoke - too short by almost 3 inches. I hate I threw away the old rear end torque tube assembly but it was 20 years ago and I was not as wise. So, I welded 2 yokes together for the last 20 years but am now wanting to put it back authentic like Chevy designed it. Was the torque tube longer for the earlier shorter 4 speed transmission set up? when chevy changed to the synchronized transmission in 49 and it is longer by over 2 inches how was that difference in length handled? Can someone with this set up help? Thanks

How long is your bed? You could have had a short shaft extension or it is possible the earlier models had longer prop shafts. Would need to look at a part manual to check lengths...

1947 is a one year only for the long torque tube.
Starting in 1948 the SM420 was used and it is longer than the non-syncro 4 speed used up to 47.
The three speed changed lengths at the same time to match.

Thanks, the one year only longer torque tube explains why all my efforts so far to find another longer shaft have been futile. Any one out there happen to have a 1947 only torque tube/ rear end??

or you could find a 48/53 tranny/torque tube. I see them on craigs all the time when guys convert to a open drive line. it wouldn't be "correct" for the 47 if your worried about having a 47 with 47 only components, i.e. 216 with a selector tranny/ 6 volt generator, knee-lever shocks , but would fit right?

im not sure if the 54/55 1st will fit, i think these are a different length. maybe someone else could chime in on this???

i see the trannys and rears/torque tubes on craigs all the time from guys who converted to a open drive line.

You would need a 1948-53 bellhousing to allow the 1948 and up transmission to bolt up.
Going with the 48 and later trans would give you a syncro mesh trans.
I know there are people who like the non-syncro trans and think it is fun to double clutch.

i'm pretty set on keeping it all like it was when I learned to drive in it. Yes that ole tranny is fun . Its gotta stay.

yes Drew i'm trying to keep it all authentic and this torque tube thing is the only thing in the way.

hammer,

I have a '47 and I just removed the rear and torque tube, and the tranny, this past weekend. I'm not going to use any of it, as I am planning to use a Saginaw 4 spd and an 8.5" 10 bolt behind a 250 L6. Let me know if you're interested. I'm in the eastern panhandle of WV, near I-81.