1962 235 I-6 vs v8 dilemma

[pestwagon]

Got a 1962 short stepside PU with standard 3 spped column shifted 235. Motor runs (not really well) but it can drive, compression is 125-130 in first 5 cylinders 4- to 60 in 6th hole.

So, it's time to pull the motor. I really want a TH350 or TH400 or TH700 R4 automatic column shifted V8 (like A 350 CU).

I've read many threads on this but still need advise.

1.What steering column years will look "correct" and function to shift the transmissions listed above. I need to buy a automatic column....but I dont want one with a key in it or tilt...I want it to look like a 1962 column....
2. What transmission listed above is recommended? I would like at least 15 mpg on the freeway and am too old to want to race/tear up the truck. I believe the existing tranny crossmember needs to be removed, and a rear tranny mount can be fabbed up with 2 pieces of angle iron on the inside frame rails and a strap of steel across that. Do I mock fit the tranny rear mount first and then bolt a 350 block to the tranny to mock fit the block/motor mounts? What am I looking for here when I mount this? Clearence to the radiator? or clearing the firewall? What have you guys done/can you suggest to mount the motor/tranny in place...
3 Apparently only 283 bellhousing from a 1960-62 pickup will work. What is the reason why? Will a corvette 283 bellhousing work? Will a passenger car bellhousing work?

I am going to start looking for a auto column that'll shift the tranny with the columnn lever, not with a floor shifter. Any advice?

Why isnt there a aftermarket kit for this?

[pestwagon]

Also, if a V-8 swap is too hard, can a 292 Inline 6 be swapped in easily?

[padresag]

same amount of work
ron

[DoubleL]

I went with a 700r4 with my 292. You're going to want the overdrive on the 700r4 if you aren't changing your rearend gears. IMO

[pestwagon]

I read Markeb01's post

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369663

and found a automatic transmission cross member for a 1960-2 Truck on Ebay for $250. I know that this could be fabbed up for $40 or so using steel ancle iron and a strap across but I diecided to go for the original factory piece.

Next thought is to find a 200R4 and mount it to this crossmember with a small block attached (engine block only) in order to find the correct locations for the motor mount perches....any advice here?

[pestwagon]

Also, what automatic tranny is Stock for the 62 truck? Powerglide?

[padresag]

yes , cast iron p/glide
pm me I need your email address for some photos
ron

[bama63]

i used this one http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...uck/CP9427.htm found it on ebay for 59.00

[pestwagon]

bama63 that wont fit a 1962 truck though...

Cast iron powerglides....are they close to the same dimensions as a TH350 or 200r4?

[blood62]

i think is a small difference 1/8" but it should be a bolt on

200R4 and the 350 are the same length as far as i know

the 700R4 and 400 are longer but match each other if that makes and sense

the 60,61,62 frame are odd balls i believe they are wider 42" vs 33 1/2" your going to have to find a junk cross member and do some creative welding to span that gap or use 2 of em to make a wider one its not going to be easy i am having similar problems with just swapping in a 350 for my 235

[blood62]

your going to have to build custom mounts for the motor anyway it would land the motor mounts nicely with the extra few inches the 700R4 would give you and it will be a lot easier to find a 700R4 and cheaper to build fix and find then a 200R4

[pestwagon]

I've decided to go TH350....Does the driveline work with the fine spline output of the TH350? I would go 200R4 but am afraid of the cable/burning out the tranny. So Im gonna keep it simple with a TH350 tranny...

So, anyone know...does the 1962 chevy truck driveshaft work on a TH350 tranny? Or do I need a new yoke?

[blood62]

Originally Posted by pestwagon

I've decided to go TH350....Does the driveline work with the fine spline output of the TH350? I would go 200R4 but am afraid of the cable/burning out the tranny. So Im gonna keep it simple with a TH350 tranny...

So, anyone know...does the 1962 chevy truck driveshaft work on a TH350 tranny? Or do I need a new yoke?

i think the th350 with the short tail shaft will work and you will need a fine spline yoke

[ChiefRocka]

Not that it matters here, but soon I will performing a 292/700R4 swap into my 62 burb.... With tons of pics....
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