3 speed help

[Aunt-Jemima]

Ok I have a 3 speed (manual) I'm thinking about putting in my truck but I have some conserns. I think that it might restrict miliage and power. I want to put a 4 or 5 speed in it but my dad says I won't like it because I won't be abl to get through an intersection without shifting. I don't know if it's that big of a hassle because this is going to be my first car/truck. Any tips, advice, comments would be great

[heavy71chevy]

bump for you..TTT

[ggtsvnv]

Neither the 4spd or the 3spd will be better on gas then the other. The reason is that the final drive ratio for both is 1 to 1. The five speed will give you better gas miliage because 5th gear is over drive which will lower engine RPM's at highway speeds. Most 4spd truck transmisions are 3 speeds with a (granny gear) or compound low for first gear which you will hardley ever use unless your towing or pulling a heavy load. It was common to find 3 speeds in trucks in the 60's & 70's. So if the transmission is in good shape there is no reason not to use it.