Would like to run this Chevy truck 3 speed behind a lakewood bellhousing that has a small front bearing retainer hole. Hoping a transmission expert would know if a Chevy passenger car 3 or 4 speed transmission small front bearing retainer would bolt to this truck transmission. Maybe some has already done this swap ? Thank You Norb
Early 50's trucks had the big hole. Cars had the small hole. So it would be a no. The trans shaft is bigger than the car. Why not run a car transmission?
Good info here. Post #26 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/does-size-really-matter-clutch-size-that-is.1251540/
Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but if memory serve's me, the retainer's will swap as long as the bolt pattern is the same. (There were 2 different patterns) Also, the snout for the throw out bearing had different length's, so there's that to look for too. Please keep in mind that it's been over 30 years since I've been through this, so the details could be REAL fuzzy by now. Hope this helps...
Would like to run it because its what I have and don't have the cash right now for a 4 speed, been mulling over putting it in a 56 Chevy gasser with slicks, most track safety rules won't let you run slicks with out a scatter sheild. I was told these 7 bolt side cover 3 speeds are pretty strong and some came in late model big block Chevelles and G.T.O.s , hoping someone knew if the front bearing retainers interchanged.
Might search the bay for an adapter ring. My memory is not what it used to be but i think someone makes a ring so you can use the small collar in the big hole. I THINK
Norb, years ago I used an early truck bell housing with a Saginaw 4 speed that presented the reverse issue. Big hole bell small tranny. Took the snout off of a truck tranny and put it on the 4 spd, Worked fine. Maybe @squirrel will chime in here for more direction/facts.
lots of random misinformation here..... The big hole began in 1968 when they switched from the SM420 to the SM465 in trucks. It was only used in trucks. The transmission you have appears to be the Saginaw 3 speed. The front bearing retainer from a car version of the 3 or 4 speed Saginaw should work, and do what you want. If you have access to a lathe, then you can chuck it in a lathe and make it fit the hole, as mentioned. https://www.ebay.com/itm/201186217804? it's not quite rocket surgery, but it's close.
you need the ring to put the car transmission in the truck bellhousing. which is the opposite of what's happening here.
Thank You Gimpy and Squirrel, If I can't source a small one I will have it turned. just saw the one you listed on ebay, Thanks again
TB, I understand being short on funds and using what you have..........but these trans were never designed for the abuse of todays sticky slicks. Probably be fine with street tires on the street. I'd save some more money and get one of the new 5 speed TKOs. Then if you ever sell the car, pull it out and stick the 3 speed in it and use the Tremec in the next project. When you use something like the 3 speed you will tear it out and it will cost more to fix than its worth. I know its tough to wait and save, but in the long run it will prove to be cheaper to get something up to the task. Good Luck whatever you decide.
Isn't the OP's transmission a Muncie 3-speed? I thought all Saginaw 3-speeds have a single bolt on the top of the cover.
yup....sorry bout that. I knew there was a difference, but I dont have one out in the barn to look at any more....
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