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Old 10-18-2010, 02:48 AM   #11
raycow
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
Re: '54 4 speed question

Quote:
Originally Posted by ofnaman View Post
Can I convert my '54 4 speed to a standard driveshaft transmission from a torque tube type? If not what other options do I have for a trans that will mount up to a 216/235 engine?
Your stock bellhousing will accept any 3 or 4 speed Chevy passenger car transmission made since 1955. You can also use any truck transmission 55-67. The T-5 already mentioned is an excellent choice because it has overdrive and shifts very easily. I put one in my 60, replacing the stock 4 speed, and IMO it is the best thing I ever did to the truck.

If you like your present truck 4 speed, you can convert it to open drive by replacing the output shaft and rear bearing retainer. However, you can also buy a complete open drive 4 speed for about the same price as the parts and save yourself a good bit of work. There are a ton of these transmissions out there for sale cheap because they usually outlast the trucks they came in.

Ray
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