Looked at a 64-5 farm truck yesterday--looked to be a 2 ton. It has a factory 5 speed in it. Owner is considering parting out the truck but didn't know if the transmission's 5th gear is an overdrive or a 1-1 gear. Anyone know something about older 5 speeds and would it be a direct swap in for a 4 speed truck trans in a 72 4x4??

There are only a few 5 speeds that have the 5th as an OD. I cant remember what they are now. I was looking for one, couldn't find one so I gave up. Didn't really have a use for it anyways, but wanted one. I don't think they are a direct swap, there is an adaptor plate that bolts between the engine and bell, the clutch is huge, the reason for the bigger bell. Here is a link to some 5 speeds.

http://members.cox.net/jeepinrandy/refferenceinfo/transinfo.htm

most if not all are direct not overdrive. The over drive part came in when the truck had a 2 speed rear
Again most had the emergency brake mounted to the trans yoke. Back in the day, 30 years ago my boss used one in his 72 swb 4x4

What is the shift pattern? Do you have any pics? I can find out what it is if it's a GMC and you know what model it is. I do know though that if it's a 64-65 GMC it's not an overdrive 5th unless it's been changed. Not so sure about Chevys.

Bob

Most big truck 5-speeds from that era had an ultra-low 1st gear,(6:50 to 7:25 ratio). 2nd gear was in the neighborhood of 3:50 to 4:00. 3rd gear was around 2:25. 4th gear was around 1:50, and 5th was 1 to 1. The only way I see those trannys working in a pickup is if you are running 44" mudders and want to use 5th as a "poor man's overdrive".

Clark made a 5 speed that is overdrive and it can be found in 1 ton and medium duty trucks but i can't rember what years they can be found it.

here's a little info on them.
http://6066gmcguy.org/SM420.htm