Hello all. I've been on the board as a lurker for awhile. I really enjoy reading about your rides and projects. I'm currently looking to start a project on my 1950 Dodge B2B truck. It is mostly stock with the 218 L6 and 3spd in the column. I have acquired a 270 Red Ram Hemi (needs completely redone) I'm looking at swapping into it. Not wanting to do anything really radical and would like to know about transmission options. I know there are adapters out there for different combos, but wondering if the factory 3spd in the truck would bolt up to the Hemi or if it is even a good idea. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Here's my favorite combo for the Small Hemi. The late 883 / 4 speed. Looks like a normal 4 speed but is actually an overdrive. Makes a lot of difference if your actually going to go anywhere. If your block is an early one it won't have any provisions for side mount motor mounts. They used a mount off the timing cover. Plan ahead. Personally I'd stay away from that old stock 3 speed, it's a lit fuse. The Wizzard
This thread may help with your swap https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...r-industrial-hemi-in-a-52-dodge-truck.455737/
Thank you for the feedback Pist-n-Broke. I am aware of the "chin" mount. I've seen a Hurst type mount that comes off the timing cover and a Hot Heads mount that goes with their front cover kit. If I change it to a later manual the 833OD would be what I'd be leaning toward although I wouldn't rule out a 5 speed. I did try searching for hemi install in a truck, must not have worded search keywords good enough 'cause I missed that thread. It will probably be late summer or fall before I actually start. Trying to learn all I can before going after it. Thanks!
I've done the T-5 and didn't like the shifter location. The gear splits were to close for me. It was more like Rowing a Boat than shifting gears in a Hot Rod. For me there's nothing that looks more correct in an Early driver than an Old School Hurst shifter. Kind of goes with the Hemi Motor and early American 5 spokes. The Wizzard
Use of the term "T-5" as a generic description isn't very useful for people who may be unfamiliar with the many variations that were manufactured. Gear sets with first gear ratios from about 2.76-1 up to about 4.03 to 1, at least two shift lever locations, and OD ratios from .63 to .86, means there is some opportunity to tailor a T-5 to your needs. As for the original 3 speeds found in '50s Mopars, the same basic gearbox was used through '56 in Mopar cars and light trucks with 6 cyl and V8 engines. It is what was behind your 270 if it was equipped with a manual trans when new. That is not to say it is your best choice, only that if availability and cost are factors, there is no reason not to use it, at least initially. Many decades ago I put a 270 in a '53 Plymouth and used the stock trans which was a bolt on with the V8 bell housing. Had to convert to floor shift in that application due to cylinder head to steering column clearance, but it was quite satisfactory for the time. Ray
Thanks for the info Ray! Would like to go to at least a 4 speed, but good to know the 3 speed would work in the short term. Sent from my SM-G920V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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