48 merc truck not highway friendly

48 merc 1/2 ton, 3 speed on the floor, original flathead 8 ,need to get some kinda speed out of this truck, the speed limit is ok but the flathead screams at 60, what can I do ,,,,rear end,,,tranny,,, thanks

 

Probably the cheapest way would be to adapt a later model 9 inch rear end in it. Same bolt pattern, easy access to a variety of gears. The outer way would be a three speed overdrive transmission. Kinda hard to find a good one anymore, but would be a almost bolt in replacement, it you found the right transmission.


Bones

 

Great big tires in back ….

 

I've got 2 o/d trans out of Merc's. One is from probably a 1950 with the partial integral bell housing and the other is from a later Merc that bolts to a standard bell housing. Condition unknown but both are complete with governor and solenoid. Shipping might be an issue. PM me if interested.
Tim

 

5spd conversion

 

what kind of tranny am I looking for , to convert to 5 speed, that will bolt up

 

t5 world class. Cornhusker and Speedway sell conversion kits.

 

so I could keep my original 373 rear end ,I do have a 9 inch with 308 s, what year t5 , anything I need to look for ?

 

does it need to be a world class t5, lots of them out there not much for world class

 

and what if I want to go automatic? just sayin

 

My friend had same rig he drove from Bracebridge to Thunder Bay 40 years ago. He adapted to the 50mph range

 

The Cornhusker T5 transmission conversion works with an range of Chev S10 transmissions according to the parts info. It says that it needs the 8BA pickup bell housing and I think the bellhousing from an Mercury 8CM would work. The engine should work well with a 3.73 ratio. The T5 with a 3.73 Bronco 8.8 rear has been recommended often here as a flathead option.
http://cornhuskerrodandcustom.net/t-5-transmission-kit/

 

i wanna see this thing, post pics! please