Neil,
I've often wondered how a 'car' transmission would work in a big truck.
Probably wouldn't last long as what the factory put in was very heavy and
doubt if they would spend more than necessary on anything. The average
engine power output on a big truck is much higher than on a car. Engine peak
torque wouldn't be higher, but the constant power loading would cause the
Saginaw to wear very quickly, IMHO.
I have a 70 model two ton Chevy. It had an all-synchro 4 speed in it which I
pulled out in favor of a 5 speed. The four speed is available if you want
it. (Where are you?) Would it fit? I think the bell housing is the same for
it as for older trucks.
The five speed I got has a very close 4th and 5th for highway cruising.
Running with a 2 speed rear end your shift sequence is 1st low (low rear),
1st high, 2nd low, 2nd high (start in 2nd if no load), 3rd low, 3rd high,
4th low, 5th low, 4th high, 5th high. Note the 4th and 5th difference. The
transmission is closer ratio than the 2 speed rear end. Makes it nice to get
a few extra RPM at cruise speed by shifting from 5th high to 4th high and
not have to mess with the 2 speed rear end.
I've purchased a 2 speed Brownie to put in for highway cruising. Running
empty now in 5th high still gives about 4000 RPM at 70 MPH. The Brownie
should cut that down to about 3300. The current engine is a 350 but there is
a 427 in the shed that will go in when the Brownie does. Don't want to see
that high constant RPM on the big block. (Can you say 'wear it out'?)
Do you know where I can find a PTO for either the GM 5 speed or the 2 speed
Brownie? I'm using an electric powered hydraulic system for the bed and an
electric winch. Would like to change to a transmission powered winch if I
can find one.
Gwyn Reedy
Brandon, Florida
mailto:mgr@mgrcorp.com
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of NTemple46@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2000 10:18 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] Tranny for 235 in '46 2-ton
Please bear with me as I am a new subscriber to the list and new to the
truck
restoration field as well. Hopefully these questions are clear and haven't
already been covered by the group. I am working on a '46 2-ton chevy with a
dump bed. Currently it runs the 216 but I will be acquiring a recently
rebuilt and slightly upgraded 235 in a month or so. I am considering
changing out the tranny when I make the engine swap. I have the stock four
speed right now (non-synchro) with a three speed (plus PTO for the dump)
brownie box behind the cab and the single speed rear end. My hope is to get
away with a more efficient and smoother main trannie while using the brownie
box when I need to get the really low gearing. I drove the truck that has
the engine I will be purchasing (a late 50's half ton) and it has a 4 speed
Saginaw tranny hooked up to it. It was very smooth and a pleasure to drive.
I am not sure if this tranny will hold up to the rigors of a two-ton or not?
I have also heard that a "toploader" tranny might be a good choice. I know
little to nothing about either except that the Saginaw is a direct bolt-on.
Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated. Also, is there
a power steering unit that works in the 41-46 trucks without too much
modification? I am trying to keep the truck as stock as possible while
making it reliable and efficient for daily use in my construction business.
Thanks.
Neil
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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