Technical 1956 Chevy pickup 4 speed tranny.

About the shift pattern; is reverse down and left down or down and right down? NO the truck is not here.

 

It's probably the same transmission in our 52 chevy school bus. The shift pattern in ours is like a typical 4 speed.

 

Setting in the seat with the trans in neutral, it is left and back to you or down.

 

Yep... ***uming it's an SM420? If so, like Bill said. Pull to the left (there should be a SLIGHT resistance of a spring, and down).
1 3
R 2 4

 

If you have any more questions about how to use the truck, read the manual

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyowner/56tomindex.htm

 

Thanks squirrel. I don't have the truck but am told that reverse is to the right and down. It is a 4 speed.
Can we identify another ******? It is behind a SBC.

 

The SM465 which replaced the SM420 around 1968 has that shift pattern, R down right. We'd need more info to help you, though...things like pictures and more details about the motor it has in it, etc. help. If it looks like someone might have swapped in a later model truck drivetrain, that's probably what it is. The car 4 speeds have a different shifter that sits back further, and usually R is up left. But pictures will really help

 

I think it is a SM465 -
http://www.advanceadapters.com/tech-vault/gm-sm465-general-information/

 

SM465 sounds correct. Thanks AG.

 

From neutral, slide the shift rod to the left or right and find the spring loaded resistance, and go past the resistance and down.