can i convert my 51 truck trans to closed drive so i can use the cherry closed drive banjo (46)rear i have with it? if it is possible it would help it fit the 39 X member better too.thanks all.
It would make better set to make the rear into open,if you must use it seems it's a backward move though;like putting a v8 flathead in a Vet.
If the truck trans is a one ton or bigger four speed , first gear is next to useless in a hot rod and the box is way too heavy anyway. It would be possible to convert it but it's not a bolt together deal using stock Ford parts. You would be better off getting the T5 conversion from CrazydaddyO http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=256226. If the trans is a three speed pickup trans it will be just as easy to go find a 38-39 Trans . Here is the info you need http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_drawings_trans.htm
fuck me . i must be on the wrong site. i can't find a 38- 39 . i have the 1/2 ton truck trans and access to the clam shell? stuff from a 38.
A couple things. Some 1/2 tons also came with the HD 4 speed and there was a HD 3 speed in there as well. I don't know if these can be converted to the torque tube, I am not sure if any of the HD stuff had torque tubes, and if so it would be '30s vintage. Does the U-joint bolt directly to the back of your '51 trans? Is your transmission a toploader or side shift? In '51 Ford started using the new gears in the light duty 3 spds and the gear set will determine how easy the swap will be. For the light duty 3 spd swap you need to replace the output shaft as well as the rear trans mount. The mount and the shaft are shorter. The newer ('51 style) set of gears are not compatible with the '39 style gears so you would have to replace all of the gears in the box.
The Jalopy Journal
