Smokey:
Well, if you want to change to a 5-speed, there is not a bolt-in alternative
so you'd need to do some fabrication. A lot of people are going to later
model rear ends with open drive shafts (maybe 56 or 57?) and saginaw
transmissions, but I don't know if that is a bolt-on operation. Since you
have a long bed, I'd say it's going to be harder to find a substitution. In
the article on Patricks, they talked about a mount he sells that allows you
to use a later 4-speed saginaw transmission (say a '55) with your torque
tube. That, coupled with a 3:55 ring and pinion should help considerably.
I'm no expert on 3600's so I'd talk to the folks at Patricks to see if there
are any differences you'd need to know about. I was aware of the 3:55
gearing but not the tranny converter. The only complaints I've heard about
the 3:55 is that the torque falls off but, according to the article, the
tranny substitution helps rectify that. Any other opinions from the group?
Joe
50 3100
At 08:35 AM 3/1/99 -0800, you wrote:
>Joe-
>
>I see you also have a '50 model. Although mine is a 3600, maybe you can
>give me some advice. I have a 235 engine, and a 4-speed transmission.
>Actually the first is a granny gear, so I don't use it. I'm trying to keep
>it as stock as possible, but would really like to do something about the
>high level of rpms at highway speeds. Do you know anything about a 5-speed
>transmission for this type of truck, and would that be easier than, or
>preferable to changing the rear end?
>
>Thanks-
>
>Smokey
>League City, Texas
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Joe Clark <jclark1@utk.edu>
>To: oletrucks@autox.team.net <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>Date: Monday, March 01, 1999 5:30 AM
>Subject: [oletrucks] Patricks
>
>
>>Gang:
>>While waiting for a prescription at the drugstore, I leafed through this
>>month's issue of "Classic Trucks" (I think that's the title). Anyway, they
>>had a real nice write-up in there about Patrick's and his operation in
>>Arizona (they've always been real helpful to me and it was good to see them
>>getting some good PR). Thought you might be interested. Also, on the "Hot
>>Rod" TV show on TNN (I thing that's what it's called, not real good with
>>titles am I?) they did a rear-end replacement on a 54 AD. Nice to see a
>>show on an AD truck. Anyway, pretty good show although I'm kind of partial
>>to my old torque tube driveshaft. I think they may re-run those shows
>>during the week so check your listings.
>>Joe
>>50 3100
>>
>>
>>Joe Clark, Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory
>>
>>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
>
>
Joe Clark, Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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