Is it possible to swap to a open driveline and still keep the 3spd? I would like to get the rpms down some on the hwy but I like the 3 on the tree. I tried doing a search but everything I found was changing the transmission too
You need to change the ring and pinion in the rear axle. Do not need to change transmission. Try these guys: https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/3316/Chevrolet_Ring_And_Pinion_Conversion_3551.html
Your stock 3-speed is made for the torque tube drive shaft so it will have to go. You could use a later Chevy 3-speed and fabricate the linkage to connect the column shift. If you find a donor car you might be able to swap the column too. It can be done just a little more work than buying a floor shift kit. Tri-five Chevy won't work because you will need the tailshaft motor mount and they don't have one. you need 1958 and later.
yup, powerglides were 3.55 while stick was 4.11. I did this swap in a 52 chev i had in the '80's. night and day difference and it is a bolt in swap because the torque tubes are the same length. just change the ctr section (pumpkin) and you are good to go
I thought stick was 3.70 gears, would 3.55 be worth it? And red i wish i could man, no telling when i would actually have time to tho
friend used a 55-64 chevy car rear and early 60s chevy car full sinc 3 spd still on the tree worked very well
To use a 55 and later Muncie 318 3-speed, which is basically what the 40-54 transmissions are, only torque-tube drive, you'll need a Tri-Five six bell-housing or the truck bell-housing that has the bigger pattern. You want the six bell-housing with side mounts. The stock column linkage will work. That transmission does't have a provision for a rear mount however, so you''ll have to fab something up, or do without. Going to an open drive-line will really open up the gear ratios available to you. Rather than do all that work, the easiest way for you, is to go with the Powerglide torque-tube/third member, and some taller tires. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
I checked and you are correct. yours is a 3.70. the change to 3.55 would be a decrease of just a little over 100 rpms. probably not worth the effort, but combined with a taller rear tire like Butch said above it may be worthwhile
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