Thinkin about a 63 few ?s

[biglump67]

I found a solid 63 longbox, looks like a truck that could be used while fixing it up. It has a 283 v8, but my least fav trans, the 3 on tree. Were the 63 3 speeds any good? Would this be a muncie or saginaw or could it be either?I had a 72 years ago and went thru 2 3 speeds. The 3 speed in my 65 econoline is pretty tuff I used it or the past 11 years no problems, I think this one,econoline, is a dagenham or something like that.?
If I bought this truck I would like to put in a 4 speed sm420, or sm465. Is there a removable hump on the floor that would need to be changed? Or just have to cut a hole for the shifter?
Would the 3 speed crossmember work with either of these trans, or is aftermarket available?

Having a driveshaft made is no problem. There is a shop here that custom makes em, and did a great job on my 79 when i dumped thefulltime np203 trans case for a th350/205 combo.
I plan yo look at this truck again this wknd, and take it for a run

[dennislbrooks]

Biglump67, looks like we both have 67's and are loking at 63's --am looking at a second owner 63 short step tomorrow with 3 on the tree. This one is a 230 L6. If you run across an extra 420 let me know as I have a PTO I want to put on it. Otherwise, I think I will place a BW super T10 with a Doug nash overdrive in it --known as a 4+3 like in my 85 vette. The sm435's seem to be easier to come by. I am pretty sure you need the tall hump that is a bolt on. If you have no luck I know Matt35067 (not sure if a 67-72 hump fits a 63) has one that he did not sell at the last swap meet. Shifter hole should already be in the correct position.

The 71-87 spindles will work with the correct balljoints and a modified outer tie rod end. I have much to learn on the 63's if I buy it

[biglump67]

Hey thanks for the feedback. I figured a trans swap should be pretty straightforward, thats the beauty of old chevies. I do not know of any sm420's off hand but know 2 boneyards with lots of 50,60,70's stuff. I got sidetracked and couldnt test run the truck this weekend. Hopefully I could do t before work some day this week.

[I1502]

The only trouble I had with a 6cyl. 3 on the tree '62 longbed was when I tried to shift too fast from first to second it would jam the linkage. I would have to stop, raise the hood, and unkink the linkage. I'm sure this problem is still around for some of us. I learned to slowly put the shifter thru the gates and rarely had trouble. The trans held up fine, and this was a worn-out truck when I got it.
My current '66 still has the "stub" on the steering column from the shifter, but the former owner put a floor shift 4 speed in it. He used the bolt-on trans hump from the donor and fabricated the smaller part closer to the firewall from sheet metal.
P.S.-Your econoline doesn't have a dagenham, unless you have a four speed. A good site for early econolines is tffn.net