250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

So "Project Welfare Truck", a 70 C-10 is running and the engine is fairly strong. The steering wheel shaft mechanism that shifts the tranny is a problem. One tab keeps over-riding the other and locking up. Does anyone sell a rebuild kit for this? Know anyone who knows what they are doing? I like the 250 for fuel efficiency and learned on a column shifter... but there's this guy who might give me a bent frame wrecked C-10 with a Muncie 4 in-the-floor and a ex-vette 327 to swap out. Can you hook up an automatic to a 250? Powerglide or 350 THM? Decisions! Opinions?

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Take that stuff if the guy is giving it,or is real cheap.But,I like the idea of running a straight-6/3spd.I had a basic`72 shortbed with that combo and it ran great.I was all caught up in wanting to hot rod it up and swapped a 350/TH350.I really liked the way that thing ran with the 6 and these days saving every dollar matters.That Muncie 4spd will bolt right in.Any of those automatics with mount to your motor.But,I don`t like automatics behind a 250.They run best when you control the gears.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Once you get the shifter fixed, you won't want to change it. I drive a 6cyl 3 on tthe tree everyday and really like it.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

I have the same setup but I am wondering how to keep the colume shift from locking up
My locks up here and there.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

You can buy all of the wear parts to rebuild the shift mechanism and linkage from your local GM dealer. Once you rebuild it right, you can expect another 30 years of good service out of it.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Mine locks up if I don't shift sequentially, i.e. I can't go from 1st to 3rd or 3rd to 1st, but as long as I use second in between it never locks up.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

I have an idea -- Muncie with 4 on the tree :metal:

Some people just don't understand :burnout:

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...column+shifter

So now you have no excuse to not stay with the ToT!!

BTW I like using a nail in place of the drill bit.The head keeps it from falling out.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Put the Muncie behind the 6. The closer gear splits will make use of the 6's torque range better.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Definitely keep the 250 3 on the tree... you will not regret it!

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Just to throw another option in there for ya how bout going with a 5 speed? Then you can really enjoy shifting with overdrive as an added bonus. Just what the little 6 needs. ;)

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

I grew up on the farm with the 250/3 speed combo and it has major nostalgia for me. But, my current truck with that setup just isn't practical to drive in town or on the highway. At 60 it revs so high that you can't hear the radio. I'm just too used to overdrive in my newer vehicles. I'd say switch.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

That's just not so. The close (and relatively high) gear ratios of these Muncie boxes were designed for hi-reving cars, with low rear end gears. You would need an even lower gear to run a heavy truck.....and it would suck on the highway.

Re: 250 L-6, 3 on theTree. Do I swap for a 327 and a Four Speed
 

Listen. A muncie 4speed is a 1:1 4th gear. Meaning if you are screaming at 60mph with the 250 3 on the tree, which you are, you will be screaming just as loud with the muncie. No good. Either keep it as is, they are great for short trips, or go with an overdrive tranny, T5 for manual. IN FACT, the premier tranny for you is a 3spd overdrive unit. Basically your current tranny with OD. Tough to find, but if you come by one it would be cool, AND would allow you to keep your column shift.

My Vote: 3spd stays.