The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Overdrive Install

I just installed my overdrive in a 58 chevy 3100 half ton. I am having problems with the linkage connecting. Can I use the side cover from my stock three speed on the overdrive. Will the stock 4 bolt cover work with the lock out rod ?

If both have 4 bolts the covers should interchange. The lockout is just a rod that the reverse lever pushes. Nothing different about the cover or internal parts of it.

You can use your existing 3 speed side cover on an OD trans with a 4 bolt side cover. You probably got an OD from a car which has a different configuration on the shifter arms. The 58 side cover will work fine with the lock out rod. Be sure to check the 2/3 shift fork when you have it apart. It is a normal wear point on these 3 speeds and is a contributor to popping out of 3rd gear.
Fred

Got the side cover changed and the overdrive is in. Gears shift smooth, and all of the electrical has been connected according to the wiring instructions and diagrahm that Cletis provided a while back. Will be test driving tomorrow to see how she moves on down the road. Look forward to the decreased RPMs. Thanks guys for all of the info.

non overdrive : overdrive = night : day

Good stuff! In case you don't know it already, you can find the complete documentation on the Borg overdrives on my web site.

Deve,

Have referenced your site many times, thanks.

Cosmo

Did the test drive today. The engine runs so much cooler. I did not get all of the heat from the engine inside the cab. The free wheeling part is going to take some time getting used to and my mind has been changed about the brakes also. It is indeed time to start collecting parts for a disk brake conversion. Truck moves along with a lot less effort and stress on the engine.

Congratulations on your success. The more you drive it, the more you'll love it.

I lock mine out of OD when I'm in a town to minimize the free wheeling.

Cletis do you still have the drum brakes on your burb, if so how well does it stop?

Not cletis, but I have a virtually identical setup in my '55 3200. I lock mine out in town as well, for the same reason. I'm still running stock drums, no power assist, stops just fine. The trick is to keep them properly adjusted.

I will re-adjust mine also. Driving in town with it locked out is good advice. I think I am just use to down shifting to assist when stopping. I have a few days off this week so I will be driving the truck a lot more on the interstate to get used to the overdrive.

6571, what kind of RPM drop did you get with the overdrive?

Brian

I have power front discs on the Suburban. I love it.

I don't have a tach in the truck but I can tell it is not sounding like it is maxed out at 60 mph. It's a lot like driving a stovebolt belair but just not as soft of a ride. That engine that sounds like its running 90 mph and you are only doing 60mph is gone. The engine sounds like 45 and you're doing 55-60. I like that.
Cletis that power disk must have required a bit of alterating. Did you keep the floor pedals or go to the swing set brake and clutch pedals.

I kept the floor pedals. Here's info on the swap.