Hot Rods SAGINAW 3SPD. ALL SYNCHRO IN A 52 GMC?

my boy and i are finally getting ready to change his trans 52 stock GMC we have an all synchro 3spd. so when we pull the stock 3 spd out, will the Saginaw fit right in. or will we need to change the clutch plate because of different splines? thanks
Jay D.

 

Same splines, yes, it will work. But, you'll need to go from closed driveshaft to open driveshaft.

 

I ran one in my 48 Chev with a Hurst shifter for a number of years. With the right gears in in the rear end it will be one of the best changes he can make. It can probably be set up for column shift with some artful linkage work.
If he is keeping it close to stock otherwise a 55/59 Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton rear end fits pretty good once you change the axle seats on it. Classic parts sells a pair that are the right height off the spring and have the proper offset hole to center the rear end.

 

This ^^^
Or, you can keep your axle and housing and put a 3.90 differential of the 55/59 vintage. You would have to burn off the old closed driveshaft mounts and weld on axle saddles. Easiest is to do what the gentleman suggested above, a 3.90 rear from a Chevy or GMC, same width and the easier Bendix brakes.
I have my 3sp+overdrive Saginaw with a column shift using home made rods that I threaded onto Heim joints, shifts smooth as mid summer table butter.

 

THANKS!!! thats exacly what we are planning to do, Heim joints.
Jay D.