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Old 01-18-2024, 05:31 PM   #18
1project2many
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lakes Region NH
Posts: 3,187
Re: changing drivetrain for 1958 Apache 38

That old rear doesn't have a bunch of available gear ratios. One ton trucks usually came with 5.14 gears. 3/4 ton truck from that vintage came with 4.57 gears. 64-72 3.4 ton trucks were available with 4.10 gears. If you can find a 4.10 pumpkin it should be a true drop-in.

Three quarter and one ton trucks also came with Dana 60/70 or GM 14 bolt axles. Many had 3.73 gears. Some had 3.42 gears. You could make those axles fit by welding on spring perches, shock mounts, and other hardware.

There aren't many transmission options that have overdrive and drop in. How much does that old truck carry these days? There are 3 speed transmissions with electric overdrive from the '50s and '60s that could be used. They can be hard to find and likely need overhaul work. GM and Mopar used a 3 speed w/ OD New Process transmission in the 80s. They can be found on Ebay. Np440 (GM) and A833(Mopar) but neither one is a direct fit into 58 Bellhousing. One version looks like 3 out of 4 bolt holes match. The other is very different. Anyone interested in this transmission can start here. There's also a 4 speed with OD from early '80s Corvettes. Probably best used for light duty driving but it will bolt to the bellhousing. If you're willing to make bigger changes you could switch to later engine / transmission mounts then the world opens up.
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