54 chevy transmission update

[Willard]

I am looking for a 5 speed overdrive transmission to bolt up to my stock 235 in a 1954 chevy pickup. Anyone know what I may be looking for? Year, Model? I expect to have a new driveline made, but I want to keep it a top loader with the stick coming thru the floor looking like stock 4 speed.

[hambiskit]

are you running an enclosed drive train - or open?
If you are running an open drive then you may be able to run a S-10 tranny. They are 5 speeds, and top loaders, and I have one.
measure up the bolt pattern on the bellhousing your using and let me know.
I have a 53 tranny for the enclosed drive, but it is a 4 speed.
Jim

[Willard]

I am running an open driveline it is totally stock 235 with a truck 4 speed with the granny gear. If you have a 53 closed driveline 4 speed it should be the same bolt pattern and size except for the back end as my 54. How does it look compared with the S10 5speed bolt pattern? Does the shifter appear about the same distance from the front where it bolts to the bell housing? I have to assume the overall length is longer, but that is not a problem as I plan to have a new driveline built anyway. The other thing to check would be the collar size on the throw out bearing. Let me know what you see with them side by side. You can see my truck at www2.whidbey.com/brucer/Willard.jpg I am currently running 16 inch tires in place of the original 15 for about 11% overdrive. speedometer is off by this much.

[hambiskit]

Willard I will have to get out back during the day & measure it up, as I remember it is the same pattern.
They are both still attached to motors so I have to pull them loose to find out for sure, and this may not happen till Sunday as I work long hours.
The good thing is I have both bellhousing's so I can possibly mix & match to make sure that they will work togather. in case the bell from the 54 is deeper, so I can check the mainshaft length as well as dia. and throw-out bearing sizes.
Now- I am also looking for a tranny for my Chevy truck- I want a M-22 rockcrusher if I can find one, or a M-20, or M-21 if not. The M-22 would match up my combo just perfect if I can find one , otherwise I can re-gear one of the other two. Can you help? Anyone up there got one just hanging around?
Jim

[hambiskit]

Willard,
OK- it will work- you have to change the clutch pack- but otherwise it's a bolt up. The tailshaft is longer than the 4 w/granny and the shifter sit's back about 6" farther so you may have to adjust your floor pan for fit.
Jim

[Willard]

Thanks for looking you said you have one? What are you looking for it? I am located on Whidbey Island. This is a S10 overdrive, do you know what year? I could certainly make a trip down.

[hambiskit]

it's out of a 1985 S-10 I got for the frame, I know the guy that owned it before & some history on the truck. The tranny was rebuilt in 2001 and is in good running condition- I would let it go for 150.00 & you come get it.
I also have a LOT of parts & engines for your truck here as I had two 53's here last year for a project I was working on - LOT'S of 6 volt stuff, and more coming as I just got the truck I have wanted since I was 17 & it's all 6 volt also....I traded my 53 pu for it - but I'm converting the whole thing over & rodding it out, so my little backyard fills slowly with stuff....lol
If this sounds ok to you then call me at 3604267580 after dark (I work outside) and we can discuss it further....
Jim

[Willard]

IT IS A BORG WARNER?

I have found descriptions and pictures although I don't know how to insert them here. I can send you pictures direct to your email if I knew your address. Here is a description of the BW:

Borg Warner T5 All aluminum 5 speed top loading transmission. All forward gears synchronized. Early design has brass synchronizer rings while later "world class design" uses paper lined rings and tapered bearings on countershaft. Model number located on ID tag attached to extension housing bolt starts with 1352. Built in 2 and 4 WD versions. Used in Jeeps 1982-87, General Motors S10 2wd trucks with mechanical speedometer, GM S10 1989-95 with electronic speedometer, and GM 4 X 4 S10 1983-95. This unit is also found in Astro Vans with 2.8 or 4.3 V6 engines. Tremec Corporation bought the design from Borg Warner and now manufactures this unit.

Another possibility is:

New Process 2500 (New Venture 535) Light duty 5 speed fully synchronized aluminum case transmission with 4 bolt top cover. Available in 2 and 4wd models. The shifter is located behind top cover on top of transmission. This is a center support type of transmission

[hambiskit]

it's a Borg Warner T-5

[Willard]

This sounds like something very doable and I am interested. I left you a phone message. I would like to talk to you my number during the day at 206-598-5493 and at home after 6pm is 360-331-5493. My name is Bruce the trucks name is Willard.

I read a section from Stovebolt.com http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/t5tranny.htm which tells about putting this same tranny into a AD 47-54 chevy pickup. Sounds like the hardest part is the clutch setup figuring exactly what parts fit what and the throwout bearing. So I would be interested in any associated parts you are going to throw away anyway.

[Willard]

you can now see my truck on my homepage.

[hambiskit]

That's a really nice 54....the wire wheels really set it off

[WES]

Nice truck, I thought that I would make it easier for the rest of us to enjoy it!!
http://www2.whidbey.com/brucer/Willard.jpg
WES

[hambiskit]

YEAH- hey thanks Wes......Jim

[Willard]

Did you have a good trip home? I hope you made the ferry right away as the next one was 1 1/2 hours later. Thanks again for bringing the tranny up. Now I just need to get some time and put it in.

[hambiskit]

Your very welcome, and I made it home fine. I did just miss the ferry so I had to wait that 1 1/2 at the dock. I took in lunch and enjoyed watching a sea gull playing with an eagle for a while.
It was real nice to meet you & your wife- thank her again for the coffee & rolls, they were just right.