[60-66 Nut]

Dan, I agree with Bill. I think it would make things much simpler to stay with the cast iron bell, but that's up to you. The SM465 can use the same throwout bearing as your 3 speed, just make sure you have the right one for your pressure plate(diaphram or lever type). The old style fork should work in the aluminum bell, but you will have to make sure and use the correct fork pivot ball. They are different for the old cast fork and the stamped fork. As for clutch linkage, it would be much easier to stay with what you have. The later model linkage is completley different, as the engine is positioned different in the truck. You will need to use the pivot ball on your engine, not the one on the aluminum bell.

Like Bill said, if you stay with a cast iron bell there is really no reason to build another crossmember, but again, that's up to you.

You may even be able to have your old housing machined out to the correct size without cutting the transmission input retainer. I think the reason the Novak site talks about cutting them both is because they are using the aluminum bell, and don't want to remove too much material. The old cast iron bell should have plenty of meat there, so it should not be a problem. Maybe someone has done this before and can tell you for sure.

60-66 Nut