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| | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27 | I understand that the late fifties saginaw 3spds were full syncro if that is the case what kind of numbers should I be looking for to replace the trany in my 58 Apache 235 cu in.I'm getting tired of same old GRIND!!! | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | It was the late '60s when they went full syncro. Not sure about numbers, but you'll want to look for one with a 7 bolt shift plate cover, rather than the 4 bolt found on the 318/319. You may need to shorten the driveshaft, depending on which version you get.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | don't know from numbers but any GM 3 speed 55-the mid 70's will fit, the Saginaw w/ syncro 1st started in 68 [fine output spline], the earlier [like 58] is a BW trans [coarse spline] ... the Saginaws seem to be getting scarce, you might consider rebuilding yours
Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,362 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,362 | red58 how come no PM's? A question, are both 3 speeds offered in the TF's from BW?
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks.
Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | AFAIK, Saginaw didn't start producing 3 speeds until about 62, so I assume all 8 3 speeds Chev used in the 50's were BW Bill | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27 | Thanks for the help,I plan on going to the big swap meet in Portland so I will keep an eye out for one!! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 | Transmission 1 is a GM corporate transmission also known as a SM318 and with an OD it was known as a SM319. The OD part was BW, but the front part was GM.
Transmission 2 is referred to as a SM 320. It could either be a BW T85 or a BW T89. The T85 has a 9 bolt transmission with the shift levers being in a straight line. The T89 has a 9 bolt cover with the shift levers staggered. Neither had a synchronized 1st. They saw limited use in GM vehicles, but were used a lot by Chrysler, Ford and AMC. Ford used the BW in their Police Interceptor and they stood up will behind the FE390.
The Saginaw resembles the BW, but it is a GM corporate transmission. It was the Saginaw that first offered a synchronized 1st gear.
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