The original B&M Hydro-Stick transmissions were made from the old cast iron 4-speed Hydros. They sure didn't have sluggish shifts. I wonder if B&M still make parts for those? Or if you could find a NOS kit somewhere...? Anyway, as light as that truck is (compared to an old Oldsmobile), it may not be a problem.

Uh.., Don.., We ARE old men...