1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Luke87gt · 04-25-2024, 12:52 AM

Hi guys, I have a three on the tree in my ‘69

Can anyone tell me what trans fluid it takes and rough capacity? Thanks

Also, assuming it’s original, what transmission is this?

**mr48chev** · 04-25-2024, 02:21 AM

80/90 Gear oil. I'm thinking 3-1/2 pints but will have to find my manual. If it is in the truck one of those red plastic transfer pumps with the red hoses from Harbor Freight is a life saver. They are inexpensive enough to have one for each type of fluid you would pump with one and not cross contaminate.

**Jason Banks** · 04-25-2024, 12:33 PM

This is what I use in mine:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...-2-gal-t806600

The GL-1 rating is safe bronze and copper(one or both are present in the 3 speeds)

There's much discussion about this on this board and many others. But my deduction was the a GL-1 Rated 90w Gear oil is the safe choice.

**Jason Banks** · 04-25-2024, 12:34 PM

Apparently NAPA has 1 gallon for the price of 2 at tractor supply if that is more convenient for you.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NHF65201

**dmb** · 04-25-2024, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

This is what I use in mine:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...-2-gal-t806600

The GL-1 rating is safe bronze and copper(one or both are present in the 3 speeds)

There's much discussion about this on this board and many others. But my deduction was the a GL-1 Rated 90w Gear oil is the safe choice.

that stuff is made for an 8N tractor
I would go with a good 80W90 oil
just my opinion
David

**mr48chev** · 04-26-2024, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmb

that stuff is made for an 8N tractor
I would go with a good 80W90 oil
just my opinion
David

Yuppers, there have been a ton of advancements in gear oil and oils in general since that Ford tractor formula was created. A good quality 80-90 would be far better. Leave that stuff to the antique tractor brigade.

Luke87gt · 04-26-2024, 05:33 PM

Thank you for the replies everyone.

Will use the gear oil recommended above.

Lastly, what transmission brand/name is this?

**MikeB** · 04-26-2024, 06:19 PM

Just like a differential. Fill it until lube runs out of the fill hole.

Most gear oil bottles have a nozzle, so unless something is in the way, you can just stick in the hole and squeeze.

geezer#99 · 04-26-2024, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Thank you for the replies everyone.

Lastly, what transmission brand/name is this?

Look on the side cover for the cover bolts location. That’ll tell what trans you got.

https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...ission-id.html

Luke87gt · 04-26-2024, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Look on the side cover for the cover bolts location. That’ll tell what trans you got.

https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...ission-id.html

Thank you!

Based on the 7 bolt cover, and placement of bolt holes, it appears to be a Saginaw 3sp manual

Is that good or bad? Lol

geezer#99 · 04-26-2024, 09:38 PM

Good trans.
Lighter duty.
The Muncie was supposedly heavy duty.

**1970cstblazer** · 04-26-2024, 10:19 PM

Just make sure the fluid is GL4. It's compatible with soft metals.

**MikeB** · 04-26-2024, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Based on the 7 bolt cover, and placement of bolt holes, it appears to be a Saginaw 3sp manual

Is that good or bad? Lol

Not sure about 69 models, but for an 82 that I had, there were 3 versions, each with a different first gear ratio. The lowest ratio was for the 250 six because it needed lots of torque multiplication. The next was for the 305 and 292, and the tallest was for the 350 which would handle more torque. You wouldn't want to use the 250-six trans behind a 350. BTW, 2nd gear was also different for each trans to span the different gaps between 1st and 3rd.
Useless information?

Luke87gt · 04-27-2024, 12:06 AM

Oh, can anyone confirm the three gear ratios ?

Also, what is my factory rearend gear ratio in my 12 bolt?

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 04-27-2024, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Oh, can anyone confirm the three gear ratios ?

Also, what is my factory rearend gear ratio in my 12 bolt?

I can only answer B.
B]...If originally equipped with an automatic transmission, a 3:08 differential gear set was installed. If Manual, 3.73 was standard.
If not noted on the SPID Then it was one of these.

Luke87gt · 04-27-2024, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

I can only answer B.
B]...If originally equipped with an automatic transmission, a 3:08 differential gear set was installed. If Manual, 3.73 was standard.
If not noted on the SPID Then it was one of these.

Thank you, the truck is original manual. If it has 3.73 that would be awesome as it’s one less thing I need to UG later. SPiD doesn’t show anything on gear.

I’ll try to confirm it by doing the wheel rotate / driveshaft count

**1970cstblazer** · 04-27-2024, 11:12 AM

Factory issued info:

**1970cstblazer** · 04-27-2024, 11:22 AM

GL-5 80W or 90W was recommended then..

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 04-27-2024, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

GL-5 80W or 90W was recommended then..

I've heard some debate -- among SM465 Users -- that the limited slip additive in GL-5 is bad for the phosphor/bronze of the synchronizers and GL-4 or lower is preferred.

04-25-2024, 12:52 AM	#1
Luke87gt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Pleasanton CA Posts: 232	1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Hi guys, I have a three on the tree in my ‘69 Can anyone tell me what trans fluid it takes and rough capacity? Thanks Also, assuming it’s original, what transmission is this? __________________ 1969 C10 Shortbed Last edited by Luke87gt; 04-25-2024 at 01:26 AM.

04-25-2024, 02:21 AM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? 80/90 Gear oil. I'm thinking 3-1/2 pints but will have to find my manual. If it is in the truck one of those red plastic transfer pumps with the red hoses from Harbor Freight is a life saver. They are inexpensive enough to have one for each type of fluid you would pump with one and not cross contaminate. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

04-25-2024, 12:33 PM	#3
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,623	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? This is what I use in mine: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...-2-gal-t806600 The GL-1 rating is safe bronze and copper(one or both are present in the 3 speeds) There's much discussion about this on this board and many others. But my deduction was the a GL-1 Rated 90w Gear oil is the safe choice.

04-25-2024, 12:34 PM	#4
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,623	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Apparently NAPA has 1 gallon for the price of 2 at tractor supply if that is more convenient for you. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NHF65201

04-26-2024, 05:33 PM	#7
Luke87gt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Pleasanton CA Posts: 232	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Thank you for the replies everyone. Will use the gear oil recommended above. Lastly, what transmission brand/name is this? __________________ 1969 C10 Shortbed

04-26-2024, 06:19 PM	#8
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Just like a differential. Fill it until lube runs out of the fill hole. Most gear oil bottles have a nozzle, so unless something is in the way, you can just stick in the hole and squeeze. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-26-2024, 09:38 PM	#11
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,731	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Good trans. Lighter duty. The Muncie was supposedly heavy duty.

04-26-2024, 10:19 PM	#12
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,826	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Just make sure the fluid is GL4. It's compatible with soft metals. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

04-27-2024, 12:06 AM	#14
Luke87gt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Pleasanton CA Posts: 232	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Oh, can anyone confirm the three gear ratios ? Also, what is my factory rearend gear ratio in my 12 bolt? __________________ 1969 C10 Shortbed

04-27-2024, 11:12 AM	#17
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,826	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? Factory issued info: Attached Images __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

04-27-2024, 11:22 AM	#18
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,826	Re: 1969 Three on the Tree - trans fluid and capacity? GL-5 80W or 90W was recommended then.. Attached Images __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels



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