VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans Overdrive for '46 half ton

Has anyone had experience associated with the installation of overdrive to a bone stock 1946 1/2 ton. Not sure if it is even possible. What is the process if possible. Specifics appreciated. Thanks, Gerry.

One way of getting an overdrive in your stock 46 half ton is to retrofit a T5 five speed transmission. These transmissions were used on the S10 trucks, Jeeps, Mustangs, and probably others. This retrofit usually involves swapping the rear end to a later, open drive line type, as it would be difficult to adapt the original torque tube to the back of the T5 transmission.

I think you can find some pretty specific info on this swap on the Stovebolt.com site.

There are several ways to install overdrive in a torque tube drive-train. Units were available from aftermarket companies in the period (at least for passenger cars), units from other manufacturers in the 40s and 50s can be adapted (like Borg Warner) or you can use a modern transmission/driveline. The T-5 has received a lot of attention but as pointed out above can be a real challenge to do.

Thank you for your help. The information you both provided will assist in beginning the project.
Gerry

All of the T5 boxes I have seen have the shift lever at the rear of the box which will be somewhere near the middle of the seat.

Tony

Tony -

I have a T-5 in my 37 1/2 ton Chevrolet pickup and the shifter comes though the removable floor board about 9-1/8" back from where the stock shifter was. I used a 55 Chevrolet car rear axle. Brake parts are very inexpensive for the 55 rear axle - like wheel cylinder are under $10.00 and shoes under $20.00. 55 Chevrolet rear end parts are faily easy to find.

In my case, I can cruise at 70 and a tach reading of 2200 RPM's. I have had the truck up to 80 and there is room to go. You can shift into low before you come to a total stop and into over drive at about 50. I have a 3:54 to 1 gears in the rear axle. The choice on rear axle gear ratio's are plentiful.

(If you want more information or just discuss the option, here is my e.mail address: 6cylindersovertex@att.net

Joe

Joe
9" behind the stock shift wouldnt be far forward of the front of the seat but would work well.

I have a Buick 3800 V6, T5 with 3.55 and 14" rear tyres in my 79 Holden DD and like you say low revs at cruise but still tows 4 tonne with ease, wants to dig trenches in up hill dirt roads.

Tony

I found and purchased a couple of Truckstell torque tube overdrives for my '45 GMC (gasp!)
The Truckstell usually requires some brackets and cables to get it working in a column shift vehicle. My '45 is a 3 on the floor transmission and I basically just use a PT^O cable to activate it. I also have 3.55 gears along with 302 cubic inches of inline 6 power. That truck is fully capable of handling those gear ratios. I retained the torque tube obviously, and I think it's about the only transmission that will allow overdrive without MAJOR modification for this series of GM truck. Feel free to PM me for details if you think that may be the direction you choose.

Tony, Joe, K-10,
Thank you for all the help with the overdrive decision. I'll be in contact as I move forward with the project.
Thanks again,
Gerry