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tb56
05-07-2016, 02:45 PM
I'm getting ready to swap out the 3 speed transmission in my 56' truck and replace with either a 4 or 5 speed. The motor is the original 235 and I will be installing a Chevy 3:08 rear end.
I would appreciate any opinions or advice from those who have already done a similar swap. Don't know if it would be better to just go with a Saginaw 4 speed or spend a little more dough for a another manufactures 5 speed.
I will be staying with my bench seat so the floor shifter position could be a issue.
What have you all done out there that works and would you do it again?
Thanks




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Custer55
05-07-2016, 11:08 PM
I cant' speak for your swap in a truck, but in my 55, 2 door sedan swapping the old 3 speed for a Muncie 4 speed was a bolt in swap with the exception of the shifter and changing the drive shaft yoke. With the bench seat clearance is an issue. You have to position the shifter as far forward as possible and heat and bend the shift lever mount forward a bit also. (This is for a Hurst shifter, I don't think a stock shifter will work at all with a bench seat. At least mine wouldn't.)
I don't know what is involved with a 5 speed swap as I have never done that one.
Good luck with your project.
Brian

markm
05-08-2016, 08:29 AM
A Saginaw 4 speed is a good fit and a direct bolt in swap behind your 235 will require a new yoke and shorter driveshaft. I have had good luck with Saginaw's behind 6 cyls with V8s not so much. A T5 is also well suited to your 235, but will require more work and I don't think your 235 with 3.08 screws will like overdrive.