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Hot Rods 1955 chevy truck saginaw trans swap questions

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by onetruth1130, Jul 5, 2015.

  1. onetruth1130
    Joined: Dec 1, 2010
    Posts: 271

    onetruth1130
    Member

    recently picked up a 1955 chevy 3100 very good condition. 235 with 3 on the column. i want to do a 4 speed trans swap, I've have previous cars with the saginaw and i thought it ran great. i was just wondering what modifications i had to do. do i have to replace the trans cross member, and will i have to get the driveshaft shortned? i know it'll bolt up to the bell housing and i can still use the mechanical clutch linkage so thats good. but just trying to complete a list of things i have to purchase in order to make this swap happen. i figured since it has a pretty substantial rear mean seal leak, this would be the ideal time to just go ahead and do the swap. thanks for the help guys.
     
  2. 302GMC
    Joined: Dec 15, 2005
    Posts: 7,856

    302GMC
    Member
    from Idaho

    There is no crossmember, or at least it didn't come with one. A '55-'57 Chev pass. driveshaft should be a direct fit - an inch or so difference in length between a 3 speed and the PG/OD shaft, so try it before you buy it ... you'll need a yoke that fits the Saginaw, and a '63-'64 Chev pass. yoke does the job.
     
  3. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    If you put in the correct t-5 you will be happier.
     
  4. APACHE FS
    Joined: Feb 20, 2007
    Posts: 569

    APACHE FS
    Member

    ^^thats true, if you don't mind a floor shift (assuming you don't since the 4spd) that would be the way to go. Since the 4 will net the same final drive as the 3spd that's there.
     

  5. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    Go with a 5 speed.
     
  6. onetruth1130
    Joined: Dec 1, 2010
    Posts: 271

    onetruth1130
    Member

    ideally 5 speed would be great but I'm on a limited budget and i still need to get a drop axle and 2 more stock wheels and I 2x1 intake and split manifold, all that stuff will ad up quickly. and I'm assuming that a 5 speed will need a different bell housing, different clutch linkage, etc? just want to drive it without burning too much of a hole on my pocket. but is fed consider it. what's needed for the 5 speed?
     
  7. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    There are a ton of 5 speed swap threads on the board. Use the search function. I believe Fat Hack started a massive one.
     
  8. onetruth1130
    Joined: Dec 1, 2010
    Posts: 271

    onetruth1130
    Member

    got it. thanks!
     
  9. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 242

    donsz
    Member

    Another option is the 3 speed OD trans, you could wire it for split shifting and essentially make it a 6 speed. Also, you could still keep you column shift if desired.
    don
     

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