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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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3 speed syncro trans
Hi all,
I'm new to this site and have a question about a 3 speed transmission. I have a 67, 250, 3 speed on the column. I assume that I have a non-syncronized trans (low gear only). I was wandering if anyone knows if I can get a kit to make it syncroized or will I have to go with a later model transmission? If I have to get a later model, what model do I need to look for that will be the least amount of modifactions or none at all? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
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Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#2 |
'71 chevy s.bed/s.side
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 1,571
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
I'm not an expert in transmissions, but I thought the non-syncros went out in the early 60's. The side cover on a fully synco looks like this. The older non syncro transmissions had a 4 bolt side cover, much shorter than this one in the pic. This is a 3 spd. Saginaw with the overdrive unit. Someone else might be able to add some more accurate info.
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STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive! Last edited by Botietruck; 01-24-2008 at 12:06 PM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Maybe my blocking ring in low gear is just wore out. I will check the bolts tomorrow.
Thanks for input,
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Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Should be a synchro. My '67 had a three speed with the 327. The only non-sink was the SM420 at the time, as far as I know.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD ![]() Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
How do you identify a SM420?
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Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Whitehorse YK Canada
Posts: 2,651
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Have you tried adjusting the 3 speed column?
May seem silly but I drove a truck for 10+ years thinking that I did not have 1st gear syncro, then a buddy adjusted it, and man does it shift nice now. Take a look at this thread in the FAQ section http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307 It has great pictures and this guy had adjusted it out of the truck, but it is a simple adjustment to do in the truck, takes about 15 mins. I would start with the adjustment. Good luck, cool truck and welcome from the far north.
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Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is! |
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#7 | |
FarmBoy.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Rhinelander, WI
Posts: 1,103
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
an SM420 is a 4 speed granny gear tranny, with reverse towards the driver and down.
if you have a 3 on the tree, then you don't have a SM420. ![]() i'd check the linkage as well..they can be a real PITA at times, but when they're smooth...ooooo man. are they nice. -Sam.
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1969 GMC C1500. long fleet. 307. 3 on the tree. 3.07 gears. Oliver green. Bent and bruised. Daily Driver. Quote:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=242993 |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
That may be it. I will adjust the column this weekend. Great article on how adjust column.
Thanks for the info,
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Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#9 |
Out of the carpool lane.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Clark Co, WA
Posts: 5,673
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
It's a '67 guys. It probably does have the non-synchro 1st Muncie transmission. No amount of adjusting will fix that. You'll need to go with a Saginaw 3 speed. Plenty of them around and you'll just need to shorten your driveshaft.
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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... |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
What model truck do I need to look for with the Saginaw trans?
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Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#11 |
Out of the carpool lane.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Clark Co, WA
Posts: 5,673
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Just a WAG but '68 and up???
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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... |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Joppa, Maryland
Posts: 4,408
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
My 70 had a Sag 3spd in it. Fully sync. Then went to an auto.....
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1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang |
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#13 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Yup! Just 1 other problem....the 67 truck has a 4 11/16 centerhole in the bell, where 68 -on truck bell is 5 1/8". You can plug a saginaw (car) 3 or 4spd right into the 67 bell, (also Muncie 4 spd ) M20/21, or swap the front bearing retainer/throwout collar from the car to truck trans(saginaw only). The collar you have on your little 4 bolt Muncie will not work on the saginaw. Note that if you use the car trans, you will need to nut & bolt the bottom 2 holes (trans to bell), as the car bells had all 4 mount holes in the bell threaded, & the truck has the top 2 threaded, with the threads in the trans ears @ the bottom. crazyL
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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.... |
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#14 |
Out of the carpool lane.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Clark Co, WA
Posts: 5,673
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
![]() You know what- your bellhousing is the correct size for the T-5. Why don't you find a Camaro T-5 from a V8 car and it'll virtually bolt right up to your current bellhousing? In fact mine did when I forgot to enlarge the 4 mounting holes. You'll have 3 more gears to choose from and I guarantee you that you'll be much happier. It may sound intimidating if you've never done it before but I can say with confidence that it's as simple as drilling the 4 mounting holes to 1/2", bolting it up, punching a hole in the floor for your shift to poke through, and shortening your driveshaft. Seriously, it's that easy. The only potential problem is that the Camaro trans shifter sits where a bench seat goes so you'd have to create a shifter rod (much like a Hurst Tri-5 shifter) or go with bucket seats (also some have converted to the S-10 tailshaft). I've posted on hear before and can guide you along if needed. I've done this several times. Btw, save your 3spd column linkage if you go that route because every once in a while somebody here wants to convert back to all original linkage.
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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; 01-25-2008 at 02:45 AM. |
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#15 |
Active Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area.
Posts: 7,947
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
My stock 68 GMC 250 six had a non synchro transmission on it. I converted it to a synchronized Saginaw many years ago. Don't even remember where I got the trans from but I believe it came off a Chevy V8 truck.
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#16 | |
Senior Member
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Location: MISSOURI
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The biggest problem people have, is other people Thou shalt be cool and not hassle ![]() Be a site supporter. ![]() The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool inclines to the left." Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
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#17 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Yea, it may have been 69 when the 6 /3spd trucks came with the saginaw as standard equipment...crazyL
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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.... |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: west coast
Posts: 3,373
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
There was a change in Saginaw Muncie transmissions I believe in 1968. The 4 speed SM420 was replaced with the SM465 and the 3 speed non synchro SM318 was replaced with a syncro SM326. The input shaft size was increased, so bellhousing and clutch needs to be changed also?
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 42
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Thanks for all the info.
__________________
Randy, West TN 67 Fleetside SWB L6 3 speed on column 84 Feetside SWB L6 3 speed on column yes, I like column shifts 99 Dodge 4X4 Ext. Cab |
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#20 | |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
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Re: 3 speed syncro trans
Quote:
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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.... |
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