3 Speed Transmission - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

speednmark · 01-12-2006, 12:32 AM

Allright so i sent my 1970 Chevrolet C/10 with the stock 3 speed into AAMCO on burnet in austin texas today. tranny locked up on me while out at a car show last weekend couldnt even press the clutch to the floor, it was like pressing up against a brick wall. Not sure if it was the throw out bearing or if my gears are blocking the clutch, im no tranny professional so i wont try and diagnose my problem. My question is while im having it rebuilt, which is what i should have done right....i wanted a performance clutch, one of the cavilar coated clutch kits installed, ive heard they can stand things like dumping the clutch more so than a stock clutch can. whats the benefits of having a performance clutch and having this tranny that hasnt been rebuilt in 36 years rebuilt the thing i need to be doing?? thanks

Brad · 01-12-2006, 02:50 AM

fwiw, I had my Muncie 3speed rebuilt many years ago and it cost me about $700. Yeah, I got screwed. They didn't even ask if I wanted KY Jelly or not. At the time, I didn't know they're a dime a dozen. I had never worked on a transmission or even pulled one out. Don't let this happen to you. Ask on the parts board for one if you can't find one in your local yard. Take it to the local high school or college auto shop and have them repair it.

Btw, don't waste your time on a high performance clutch. The trans will probably break before the clutch will.

carl609 · 01-12-2006, 03:24 AM

If there is a race track anywhere near you, you can find another saginaw. They are popular for racing, and racers are always selling parts, and they are not worth the cost of having someone else rebuild it for you. trade up and get a saginaw 4sp. I agree on the clutch thing. the weakest link will always be the one to fail. don't waste your money on a big money clutch.

**truckdude239** · 01-12-2006, 09:12 AM

i had the same problem my 3 speed saginaw locked up in frist gear i had a clucth though it hadn't been rebuilt in 34 years turcks a 71 i called around 800 buxs was the cheapest i found i was like you can go screw yourself for 800 buxs i found one for 75 buxs had 20k miles on it installed a new dino pak clucth from orielys new u joints in the driveshaft and a new carrier bearling for under 230 buxs!( i could drive in 1st but 15 mph it took a long time to get places lol)

shifty · 01-12-2006, 02:04 PM

I have a spare 3spd saginaw in exceptional shape, I love it but don't need it anymore. Shoot me a PM if you want it...

67ChevyRedneck · 01-12-2006, 02:12 PM

I burried my truck in mud a few years ago and tried to rock it back and forth to get it out. I was in reverse and almost had it out and it sounded like a shotgun went off inside the cab. I revved it so high that I blew out reverse and first gear. Got one from a local yard for $75. I probably put 20K on it and it still worked fine when I pulled it for a v-8 auto combo.

What is your tranny doing? Is the clutch just not engading/disengadging? I had a similar problem many years ago. I was driving along and all of a sudden I couldn't push the cluth in anymore. I was baffled. I was only a mile from home so I limped it home. Turns out that a pressure plate bolt had gotten loose and wouldn't allow the clutch to be pushed in.

krue · 01-12-2006, 08:27 PM

No way would I pay to have one rebuilt. If you were closer I'd help you find one for little or nothing.

Kurt L · 01-12-2006, 08:57 PM

i've got a three speed here in jax fl if ya want it come and get it.theres nothing wrong with it just an extra one.

Green Machine · 01-13-2006, 12:52 AM

Sounds like you just have a clutch problem, don't let them touch the trans, fix the clutch and go, else be ready to get the vaseline out !!!

speednmark · 01-13-2006, 01:26 AM

ok so local AAMCO says a bolt from the pressure plot got knocked off and landed between my clutch and 2nd gear....wouldnt allow the clutch to move, so i am having a Luke (spelling?) clutch -german engineered installed and towing expenses included for 583 bucks....ill get over the heart ache once my baby is in the drive way and runnin fine thanx alot for the help...-mark-

Brad · 01-13-2006, 04:06 AM

Yeah, it's an expensive learning lesson. But, not as expensive as some.

jimfulco · 01-13-2006, 04:18 AM

Let's see, the clutch is outside the transmission, 2nd gear is inside the transmission, a good 6" aft of the clutch. Talented bolt, I guess, and large. I smell bamboozlage.

Brad · 01-13-2006, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimfulco

Let's see, the clutch is outside the transmission, 2nd gear is inside the transmission, a good 6" aft of the clutch. Talented bolt, I guess, and large. I smell bamboozlage.

...not to mention the plate cover surrounding the input shaft would have to be completely busted up and gone for that to happen.
Hmmm, let's hope he was talking about the 2nd gear linkage or something, but still $$$ ???

JalopyToGo · 01-13-2006, 07:52 AM

Rebuild kit is about $80, its easy to do yourself. Removed, rebuilt, installed in about 4 hours. Next time it should go quicker, this was my first. You will need a good set of split ring pliers, $10 at sears.
That just FYI for the future.

Tx Firefighter · 01-13-2006, 10:37 PM

I rebuilt another one last week in my shop at home. All parts were about 75 bucks, including new synthetic fluid.

No real special tools required, other than an 11 inch piece of 7/8 inch dowel rod to load the needle bearings into the idler shaft with. You can get the dowel rod at Home Depot for 3 bucks.

The GM service manual walks you straight through it. A first timer could easy do it without any outside help.

I took lots of pictures during the process. I'll bring them to work next time and post them if anyone has questions.

krue · 01-13-2006, 10:48 PM

Hey tex, write up a FAQ on that for us if you don't mind. Maybe even submit to the articles contest.

Tx Firefighter · 01-13-2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krue

Hey tex, write up a FAQ on that for us if you don't mind. Maybe even submit to the articles contest.

Will do. It will be a few days though. I'm off work two days, so I won't work again till the 22nd of this month. I have no internet access at home.

krue · 01-14-2006, 01:13 AM

No hurry and I appreciate it.

Bubba4spd · 01-14-2006, 01:46 AM

Hey Shifty, what do you want for the tranny? I could sure use one.

*MisterMan* · 01-14-2006, 09:25 PM

dad had a budy that was hot rodding it down his street, long story short his engine pumped out a good 400hp on a stock cluch.... friction plates fused togeather, same thing, no pushing the cluch in, finally after letting it cool down he pressed as hard as he could and it broke free, he had major cluch chatter the whole way home.

01-12-2006, 12:32 AM	#1
speednmark Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 35	3 Speed Transmission Allright so i sent my 1970 Chevrolet C/10 with the stock 3 speed into AAMCO on burnet in austin texas today. tranny locked up on me while out at a car show last weekend couldnt even press the clutch to the floor, it was like pressing up against a brick wall. Not sure if it was the throw out bearing or if my gears are blocking the clutch, im no tranny professional so i wont try and diagnose my problem. My question is while im having it rebuilt, which is what i should have done right....i wanted a performance clutch, one of the cavilar coated clutch kits installed, ive heard they can stand things like dumping the clutch more so than a stock clutch can. whats the benefits of having a performance clutch and having this tranny that hasnt been rebuilt in 36 years rebuilt the thing i need to be doing?? thanks __________________ 1970 Chevy C/10

01-12-2006, 02:50 AM	#2
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: 3 Speed Transmission fwiw, I had my Muncie 3speed rebuilt many years ago and it cost me about $700. Yeah, I got screwed. They didn't even ask if I wanted KY Jelly or not. At the time, I didn't know they're a dime a dozen. I had never worked on a transmission or even pulled one out. Don't let this happen to you. Ask on the parts board for one if you can't find one in your local yard. Take it to the local high school or college auto shop and have them repair it. Btw, don't waste your time on a high performance clutch. The trans will probably break before the clutch will. __________________ 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...

01-12-2006, 03:24 AM	#3
carl609 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lynnwood, WA Posts: 63	Re: 3 Speed Transmission If there is a race track anywhere near you, you can find another saginaw. They are popular for racing, and racers are always selling parts, and they are not worth the cost of having someone else rebuild it for you. trade up and get a saginaw 4sp. I agree on the clutch thing. the weakest link will always be the one to fail. don't waste your money on a big money clutch.

01-12-2006, 09:12 AM	#4
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: 3 Speed Transmission i had the same problem my 3 speed saginaw locked up in frist gear i had a clucth though it hadn't been rebuilt in 34 years turcks a 71 i called around 800 buxs was the cheapest i found i was like you can go screw yourself for 800 buxs i found one for 75 buxs had 20k miles on it installed a new dino pak clucth from orielys new u joints in the driveshaft and a new carrier bearling for under 230 buxs!( i could drive in 1st but 15 mph it took a long time to get places lol) __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 01-12-2006 at 09:12 AM.

01-12-2006, 02:04 PM	#5
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: 3 Speed Transmission I have a spare 3spd saginaw in exceptional shape, I love it but don't need it anymore. Shoot me a PM if you want it... __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 01-12-2006 at 02:04 PM.

01-12-2006, 02:12 PM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 3 Speed Transmission I burried my truck in mud a few years ago and tried to rock it back and forth to get it out. I was in reverse and almost had it out and it sounded like a shotgun went off inside the cab. I revved it so high that I blew out reverse and first gear. Got one from a local yard for $75. I probably put 20K on it and it still worked fine when I pulled it for a v-8 auto combo. What is your tranny doing? Is the clutch just not engading/disengadging? I had a similar problem many years ago. I was driving along and all of a sudden I couldn't push the cluth in anymore. I was baffled. I was only a mile from home so I limped it home. Turns out that a pressure plate bolt had gotten loose and wouldn't allow the clutch to be pushed in. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 01-12-2006 at 02:15 PM.

01-12-2006, 08:27 PM	#7
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: 3 Speed Transmission No way would I pay to have one rebuilt. If you were closer I'd help you find one for little or nothing. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-12-2006, 08:57 PM	#8
Kurt L Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: ne florida Posts: 2,665	Re: 3 Speed Transmission i've got a three speed here in jax fl if ya want it come and get it.theres nothing wrong with it just an extra one.

01-13-2006, 12:52 AM	#9
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Sounds like you just have a clutch problem, don't let them touch the trans, fix the clutch and go, else be ready to get the vaseline out !!! __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

01-13-2006, 01:26 AM	#10
speednmark Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 35	Re: 3 Speed Transmission ok so local AAMCO says a bolt from the pressure plot got knocked off and landed between my clutch and 2nd gear....wouldnt allow the clutch to move, so i am having a Luke (spelling?) clutch -german engineered installed and towing expenses included for 583 bucks....ill get over the heart ache once my baby is in the drive way and runnin fine thanx alot for the help...-mark- __________________ 1970 Chevy C/10

01-13-2006, 04:06 AM	#11
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Yeah, it's an expensive learning lesson. But, not as expensive as some. __________________ 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...

01-13-2006, 04:18 AM	#12
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Let's see, the clutch is outside the transmission, 2nd gear is inside the transmission, a good 6" aft of the clutch. Talented bolt, I guess, and large. I smell bamboozlage.

01-13-2006, 07:52 AM	#14
JalopyToGo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Parker, Tx Posts: 61	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Rebuild kit is about $80, its easy to do yourself. Removed, rebuilt, installed in about 4 hours. Next time it should go quicker, this was my first. You will need a good set of split ring pliers, $10 at sears. That just FYI for the future. __________________ 69 LWB 70 SWB 01 Superduty Diesel 4X4 4door 06 Caddy CTS

01-13-2006, 10:37 PM	#15
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: 3 Speed Transmission I rebuilt another one last week in my shop at home. All parts were about 75 bucks, including new synthetic fluid. No real special tools required, other than an 11 inch piece of 7/8 inch dowel rod to load the needle bearings into the idler shaft with. You can get the dowel rod at Home Depot for 3 bucks. The GM service manual walks you straight through it. A first timer could easy do it without any outside help. I took lots of pictures during the process. I'll bring them to work next time and post them if anyone has questions. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-13-2006, 10:48 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Hey tex, write up a FAQ on that for us if you don't mind. Maybe even submit to the articles contest. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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01-14-2006, 01:13 AM	#18
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: 3 Speed Transmission No hurry and I appreciate it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-14-2006, 01:46 AM	#19
Bubba4spd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: S. Georgia Posts: 254	Re: 3 Speed Transmission Hey Shifty, what do you want for the tranny? I could sure use one.

01-14-2006, 09:25 PM	#20
MisterMan Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Visalia, California Posts: 286	Re: 3 Speed Transmission dad had a budy that was hot rodding it down his street, long story short his engine pumped out a good 400hp on a stock cluch.... friction plates fused togeather, same thing, no pushing the cluch in, finally after letting it cool down he pressed as hard as he could and it broke free, he had major cluch chatter the whole way home.

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