3 speed differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RicksTrucks · 07-14-2007, 10:31 AM

Apparently there are two types. I have one that is in a long bed with a 250 6 cylinder and it is different than a friends V8 longbed with a 3 speed. Are they interchangeable or do you need a different drive shaft?

Brad · 07-14-2007, 12:21 PM

One is probably a Muncie 3 speed w/out a syncro first gear, while the other is probably a Saginaw with a syncronized first gear. That's the simple answer, for a more complex and confusing answer do a search. This topic came up about 8 months ago and has lot's of pictures.

Almost forgot, although they will bolt up the same, they are not the same length and will require some driveshaft mods.

RicksTrucks · 07-14-2007, 12:50 PM

Is there a preference of one over the other. One better than the other?

'68 longbed · 07-14-2007, 01:15 PM

I was always under the impression there was a "wide ratio" and a "close ratio" 3-speed. ???

Brad · 07-14-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicksTrucks

Is there a preference of one over the other. One better than the other?

Yes! The one with the synchros in it is preferable. Basically, if you have to come to a complete stop in order to put it into 1st gear then you have a non-synchro transmission. If you can put it into 1st at say, 15-30 mph, then you have a synchronized transmission. These are much more fun to drive.

woodridge · 07-14-2007, 02:24 PM

Early 60's was the last for non-synchro 3 speeds. GM did use fully synchronized 3 speeds in our trucks, I have a 71 with one. Here is the thread from a while back on the subject.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=muncie+speed

The Muncie is a heavier tranny and has a lower 1st (I think) but you don't see many of them.

crazy longhorn · 07-14-2007, 07:26 PM

The non syncrow 3speeds were in the cars till the mid 60's(about 65 IIRC), however the trucks had them as standard equipment on the 6 cyl through 67 or 68. the sb powered trucks had the saginawfrom 67 on, & I beleive the BB powered trucks had the heavier Muncie, that looked simular to the saginaw. 69 on had the I 6 & the smallblock trucks with with the saginaw as standard equipment.

L

RicksTrucks · 07-14-2007, 10:24 PM

It looks like the non-saginaw is shorter, is that true. So you would need a longer drive shaft.

jc · 07-14-2007, 10:28 PM

wow ! thanks for bringing this up, here i thaught my trans was beat.

it sounds like i have a non syncro trans. thanks

Brad · 07-15-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicksTrucks

It looks like the non-saginaw is shorter, is that true. So you would need a longer drive shaft.

That is correct.
Btw, just to be clear my '67 came with what I believe was a Muncie 3 speed non-synchro trans.

07-14-2007, 10:31 AM	#1
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,640	3 speed differences Apparently there are two types. I have one that is in a long bed with a 250 6 cylinder and it is different than a friends V8 longbed with a 3 speed. Are they interchangeable or do you need a different drive shaft? __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

07-14-2007, 12:21 PM	#2
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: 3 speed differences One is probably a Muncie 3 speed w/out a syncro first gear, while the other is probably a Saginaw with a syncronized first gear. That's the simple answer, for a more complex and confusing answer do a search. This topic came up about 8 months ago and has lot's of pictures. Almost forgot, although they will bolt up the same, they are not the same length and will require some driveshaft mods. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... Last edited by Brad; 07-14-2007 at 12:22 PM.

07-14-2007, 12:50 PM	#3
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,640	Re: 3 speed differences Is there a preference of one over the other. One better than the other? __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

07-14-2007, 01:15 PM	#4
'68 longbed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: mississippi Posts: 181	Re: 3 speed differences I was always under the impression there was a "wide ratio" and a "close ratio" 3-speed. ???

07-14-2007, 02:24 PM	#6
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	Re: 3 speed differences Early 60's was the last for non-synchro 3 speeds. GM did use fully synchronized 3 speeds in our trucks, I have a 71 with one. Here is the thread from a while back on the subject. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=muncie+speed The Muncie is a heavier tranny and has a lower 1st (I think) but you don't see many of them. __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet

07-14-2007, 07:26 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: 3 speed differences The non syncrow 3speeds were in the cars till the mid 60's(about 65 IIRC), however the trucks had them as standard equipment on the 6 cyl through 67 or 68. the sb powered trucks had the saginawfrom 67 on, & I beleive the BB powered trucks had the heavier Muncie, that looked simular to the saginaw. 69 on had the I 6 & the smallblock trucks with with the saginaw as standard equipment. L __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

07-14-2007, 10:24 PM	#8
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,640	Re: 3 speed differences It looks like the non-saginaw is shorter, is that true. So you would need a longer drive shaft. __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

07-14-2007, 10:28 PM	#9
jc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Jackson, New Jersey Posts: 1,560	Re: 3 speed differences wow ! thanks for bringing this up, here i thaught my trans was beat. it sounds like i have a non syncro trans. thanks __________________ 2004 Silverado 2500HD Crewcab 4x4 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1971 CHEYENNE LWB (THE LOVE SHACK) 1967 c-10 lwb (THE FARMERS DAUGHTER)

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