Thread: 3-speed trans identification

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Does anybody know when Chevy started using crossmember mounts on 3-speed manual transmissions? I pulled the 3-speed out of my '55 Bel Air to make room for a 4-speed, and it's obviously not a '55 transmission cuz it has a mounting foot at the rear to sit on a crossmember that the '55 doesn't have. Just wondered about what vintage it might be. No synchro in 1st gear, so I'm guessing late 50s - early 60s. Any guesses?

1958, which is also possibly the first year for the factory 4 speed in the fullsize passenger car line. I say possibly as even though the factory assembly manual shows the 4 spped option the last I heard there was some dispute if any were even built.

Thanx -- that establishes the lower limit anyway. Now if I can find out when they started using synchronizers in 1st gear, I'll have the range. Then maybe I can sell the thing, as I don't really have room in my shop for another doorstop. I had a buyer ready to go until I found out it wasn't a '55 trans, but he's doing a restoration and wants it to be correct for the year. Oh, well....

The only difference between your '58- 63 3spd. and the '55 is that mount on the tail. Change the tailstock and you've got a pre-58 trans.

Thanx for the info -- that's a good idea. I will see if I can find a pre-58 tailstock.