Larry,
Since the Saginaw 3-speed and 4-speeds are virtually identical except
for the additional gear, you could use the Patricks tailshaft on your
Saginaw, but his kit is designed for a 4-speed. IMHO, it would be a lot of
work and you would still have a 3-speed trans. Hooking up the column shift
linkage would be additional work, over and above the actual tranny
conversion. The 4-speed Saginaw would be a much nicer box, and they can be
had for about $100 hereabouts. No way to retain the column shifter with a
4-speed though.
I installed the 3.55 gearset, and while it's a step in the right
direction, was still too much gear for comfortable cruising. You can achieve
the same effective ratio by going to a taller tire.
The optimum setup (for me at least) is the 4-speed Saginaw, Patrick's
shifter, overdrive tailshaft and 3.90 rear from a '57 truck. The OD drops
the effective ratio to 2.73 on demand, but I can still use the 3.90 around
town.
Jack / Winter Park FL
-----Original Message-----
From: Woodred@aol.com <Woodred@aol.com>
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Date: Saturday, April 10, 1999 10:32 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Driveline Help
>I am considering modifications to my driveline on my (new) '50 3100. I
>thought I would throw out what I was considering to the group and see if
>anyone had done anything similar and could offer advice or steer me in
>another direction. I am trying to keep my truck somewhat on the original
>side. Also, my budget is a consideration.
>
>The truck has a 235 in it, with a 3 sp column shifter. I have available a 3
>sp Saginaw, and I saw an article about a tail shaft housing that Patricks
in
>AZ sells that allows you to use the existing torque tube with this
>transmission. If I go this direction, I will also rebuild the rearend with
a
>kit using 3.55 gears. Has anyone done anything similar, and would they do
it
>again? Can anyone suggest another way to go that might be cheaper or
easier?
>
>Any input on this is subject would be greatly appreciated, and thanks.
>
>Larry Nelson
>'50 3100
>Northern Ca
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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