? how many have standard trans - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

matt67350 · 10-17-2002, 10:55 PM

If you have a standard trans, are you happy or would you change it to auto trans.

wnc mountain · 10-17-2002, 11:01 PM

Not happy with the three on the tree. Just not that fun to drive. On the floor... now that would be different. The debate is on for me: Four(or five) on the floor or auto, now that to me is a hard choice.

**Palf70Step** · 10-17-2002, 11:12 PM

Like the stick...especially now that it is on the floor. Maybe a 5 speed down the road someday. Don't see an automatic for this one anytime in the near to far future, but they are OK too.

Brewski* · 10-17-2002, 11:23 PM

Sticky question~! I have a 4x4 and 4spd. Granny Low 1st is practically unusable. I got a buddy that put a 6 speed (yes 6 speed high $$ unit) in a 72 4x4 with a big block 502 Cadillac punched out with all the works (including nitro) and can use all 6 gears all the time, WOW what a rush!! If I only had that kinda money~! If you are going to drive it every day stick to the Auto if its for fun go with the 4 on the floor~!

palallin · 10-18-2002, 12:48 AM

In my '67, I pulled out a PG in favor of a 3-speed, then a (car Saginaw) 4-speed.

My '69 has an SM465. The low comes in handy with heavy loads, on steep hills, and for crawling. I wouldn't voluntarily put an auto into a truck, and I don't plan on ever acquiring one with an auto in it.

My $.02

firstgencamaros · 10-18-2002, 02:03 AM

I have the 3 on the tree here. Would much rather have a 5 speed. That would put it on the floor and the overdrive would be nice also. 4.11:1's aren't very freeway friendly....
Later,

Knoxville71shortbed · 10-18-2002, 07:32 AM

My 71 short-fleet has the original I-6 and three-on-the-tree. I actually selected this truck, because it was equiped this way. When I got it, second gear was out of the tranny. I found a good replacement tranny for $75, and put that in. It already had a new clutch, with a heavy-duty pressure plate. The shift linkage jammed all the time, so I worked on that. Replaced bushings, adjusted linkage, and greased the heck out of it. Just took some patience. It now shifts and runs great. I think the three-on-the-tree was well suited to these trucks, especially with the I-6 and shortbed combination. I never feel like I need more gears. I really like the low end torque of the I-6. But I never wanted a truck that felt "modern". I liked trucks when they were "trucks" (i.e.-utility vehicles that were more like a tractor than a car). I learned to drive with a three-on-the-tree. It always was a good idea, as long as you take it for what it is. My dad used to tell me to remember that it's NOT a straight line from first to second. I don't try to "powershift", and I'm not interested in my quarter mile time. I just wanted to restore a classic truck from a bygone era. I worry that someday, you won't be able to find a 67-72 Chevy truck with the original three-on-the-tree. I get a lot of comments from people about the three-on-the-tree. Everyone has a story, or a question. I'm trying to keep my truck as original as possible, and yet I drive it almost 100 miles each workday. I've not found the three speed tranny or column shift to be a problem at all. I hope a few others might decide to retain the originality of their classic trucks as well. Otherwise, mine will be rare indeed!

imaindianoutlaw · 10-18-2002, 08:43 AM

Well I will let you know about the three on the tree when I get backl from picking it up in about 10 hours!

PanelDeland · 10-18-2002, 09:07 AM

I love my 3 on a tree.I have considered putting in an auto since gearing is an issue but I don't drive far (yet!) so it hasn't really become an issue.

A former Boss had a Checker Airport Limo that he used sometimes to hual clients around.I took it to the car wash one day to have it cleaned up.I was sitting there drinking coffee waiting on it when this kid runs up."Is this Black car yours?"
"Yes"
"Come move it quick, I can't get it to go".
He had no idea that they evr made a 3 on the tree and certainly couldn't drive it.He had been trying to get it into drive but all it would do is grind.

chevyman 68 C/10 · 10-18-2002, 09:19 AM

I have three on the tree but not for long. It shifts like a new one but can't wait to install the 4L60E.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-18-2002, 09:19 AM

I have a three on the tree and I hate it. Nothing like having it lock up when your out in the cold with no tools. It's days are numbered, will be gone in less than a month. SM465 is ready to be put in. Then I will be happy with having a manual.

jhwkns · 10-18-2002, 10:29 AM

I have a saginaw 4 speed from a 82 camaro in my 69. The conversion was simple. It bolted up to the stock bellhousing, and was the same length as the original 3-speed. I was able to use the original driveshaft with no modification. Hurst makes a linkage kit specifically for our trucks for this transmission so shifter placement was no problem at all. I'm very happy with it , and would recommend this setup to anyone on a low budget. My conversion cost less than $250 (junkyard trans $100, linkage kit $120, used shifter $25) and was accomplished in about 4 hours. I realize that the saginaw 4-speeds aren't the most desirable, but I've had very good luck with mine. It shifts great, and the gear ratios really make the truck fun to drive.

brennecke · 10-18-2002, 10:38 AM

I have a three on the tree, and I like it as long as it doesn't hang up. I'd love to have a six speed behind the 500 when I get it in though.

yellowgmc · 10-18-2002, 10:48 AM

i had the 3 on the tree, was in process of changing to floor shifter when the tranny gave out. Its now stuck in 3rd gear. Kinda hard to staret out in. I'm debating which 4 or 5 speed to swap in but no auto. Sticks are too much fun!

Mike C · 10-18-2002, 11:09 AM

I really like having the manual trans in the JImmy. The jury is out on the truck. SOmetimes I like the auto (just pokin' around town, a little stoplight action, having someone ride in the middle) but pulling a trailer with the granny gear 4 speed puts more power to the ground and is more efficient on the road. Also lets you better modulate wheel spin offroad or at the boat ramp. (I never need 4 wheel drive in the Jimmy to pull my 3500# boat/trailer combo if I use first gear, but borrowed my buddies 2001 HD auto and it would start spinning the tires HARD halfway up the ramp and you would have to go 4wd to get up the ramp!) I have all of the parts (crossmember, crossshaft, pushrod, etc. to put the SM465 from my parts SBC Longhorn into my BBC truck. It was VERY difficult to find the bigblock manual trans stuff and I will still have to have a custom front driveshaft half made. But at least big block TH400 trucks already have a high hump as well as all of the 4 speed trucsk.

slam33 · 10-18-2002, 11:21 AM

Hope I can get rid of this 3 speed next weekend.

Rusty 6 · 10-18-2002, 06:29 PM

I've got the three on the tree in the old 72 C/10 with the 250 six cylinder. Its ok for a work truck, simple and not much to go wrong with it. Its kind of a nice change from the automatic but I'd have to say I prefer the automatic for long term use.

weasel29gm · 10-18-2002, 06:39 PM

Going to a auto from 3-speed so my better half can drive it!!!!!!!

JoetheMobster · 10-18-2002, 08:34 PM

Have the original Three on the tree, and it's staying that way!!

ckhd · 10-18-2002, 09:15 PM

My '69 and '69 are 4 on the floor.

both of my '72s are slush boxes.

I hate slush boxes... If I could, I'd change the *^&%&^% autos to manual.

Great thing is that my wife feels the same way. She almost made me buy a Suburban in lots worse shape because it had a 4-speed!

mesintex · 10-18-2002, 09:44 PM

have 67 step side with 283 4 speed on floor and love it.was my brothers and passed in january of this year.i almost have it ready for a road trip.i can load my tailer with all the bulls it will hold and they are huge. put it in first gear and can't tell they are there.don't care for the fuel milage but love it would consider of letting go of it.

deadmeat521 · 10-18-2002, 10:42 PM

mine is four on the flour muncie m22 rock crusher i drive it everyday and love it

shadetree · 10-19-2002, 01:21 AM

Muncie (car-type) 4 speed, no automatics for me, please.

TODDS 72 · 10-19-2002, 05:31 AM

3 on the tree and its stayin

mooneyes · 10-19-2002, 01:50 PM

started out with a saginaw 4-speed (car)..and it was a blast till it exploded then put in a 3-speed and i hated it...cant jam gears..

10-17-2002, 10:55 PM	#1
matt67350 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Benbrook, TX Posts: 1,060	? how many have standard trans If you have a standard trans, are you happy or would you change it to auto trans. __________________ 69 swb stepside, rebuild and upgrade in progress

10-17-2002, 11:01 PM	#2
wnc mountain More hobbies than money! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Raleigh, nc, usa Posts: 655	Not happy with the three on the tree. Just not that fun to drive. On the floor... now that would be different. The debate is on for me: Four(or five) on the floor or auto, now that to me is a hard choice. __________________ '70 cst10/swb 350, 3 on the tree, factory buckets. '70 GMC lwb 350/350 ps,pb '72 c-10 lwb 350/350 a/c, ps, pb '72 Blazer project

10-17-2002, 11:12 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,471	Like the stick...especially now that it is on the floor. Maybe a 5 speed down the road someday. Don't see an automatic for this one anytime in the near to far future, but they are OK too. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-18-2002, 12:48 AM	#5
palallin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. James, MO Posts: 1,238	In my '67, I pulled out a PG in favor of a 3-speed, then a (car Saginaw) 4-speed. My '69 has an SM465. The low comes in handy with heavy loads, on steep hills, and for crawling. I wouldn't voluntarily put an auto into a truck, and I don't plan on ever acquiring one with an auto in it. My $.02 __________________ '69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt.

10-18-2002, 02:03 AM	#6
firstgencamaros Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 151	I have the 3 on the tree here. Would much rather have a 5 speed. That would put it on the floor and the overdrive would be nice also. 4.11:1's aren't very freeway friendly.... Later, __________________ FGC

10-17-2002, 11:23 PM	#4
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	Sticky question~! I have a 4x4 and 4spd. Granny Low 1st is practically unusable. I got a buddy that put a 6 speed (yes 6 speed high $$ unit) in a 72 4x4 with a big block 502 Cadillac punched out with all the works (including nitro) and can use all 6 gears all the time, WOW what a rush!! If I only had that kinda money~! If you are going to drive it every day stick to the Auto if its for fun go with the 4 on the floor~!

10-18-2002, 07:32 AM	#7
Knoxville71shortbed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Knoxville, TN, USA Posts: 56	My 71 short-fleet has the original I-6 and three-on-the-tree. I actually selected this truck, because it was equiped this way. When I got it, second gear was out of the tranny. I found a good replacement tranny for $75, and put that in. It already had a new clutch, with a heavy-duty pressure plate. The shift linkage jammed all the time, so I worked on that. Replaced bushings, adjusted linkage, and greased the heck out of it. Just took some patience. It now shifts and runs great. I think the three-on-the-tree was well suited to these trucks, especially with the I-6 and shortbed combination. I never feel like I need more gears. I really like the low end torque of the I-6. But I never wanted a truck that felt "modern". I liked trucks when they were "trucks" (i.e.-utility vehicles that were more like a tractor than a car). I learned to drive with a three-on-the-tree. It always was a good idea, as long as you take it for what it is. My dad used to tell me to remember that it's NOT a straight line from first to second. I don't try to "powershift", and I'm not interested in my quarter mile time. I just wanted to restore a classic truck from a bygone era. I worry that someday, you won't be able to find a 67-72 Chevy truck with the original three-on-the-tree. I get a lot of comments from people about the three-on-the-tree. Everyone has a story, or a question. I'm trying to keep my truck as original as possible, and yet I drive it almost 100 miles each workday. I've not found the three speed tranny or column shift to be a problem at all. I hope a few others might decide to retain the originality of their classic trucks as well. Otherwise, mine will be rare indeed!

10-18-2002, 08:43 AM	#8
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Well I will let you know about the three on the tree when I get backl from picking it up in about 10 hours! __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

10-18-2002, 09:07 AM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	I love my 3 on a tree.I have considered putting in an auto since gearing is an issue but I don't drive far (yet!) so it hasn't really become an issue. A former Boss had a Checker Airport Limo that he used sometimes to hual clients around.I took it to the car wash one day to have it cleaned up.I was sitting there drinking coffee waiting on it when this kid runs up."Is this Black car yours?" "Yes" "Come move it quick, I can't get it to go". He had no idea that they evr made a 3 on the tree and certainly couldn't drive it.He had been trying to get it into drive but all it would do is grind. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-18-2002, 09:19 AM	#10
chevyman 68 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gilmer, Texas USA Posts: 313	I have three on the tree but not for long. It shifts like a new one but can't wait to install the 4L60E. __________________ 69 Chevy short fleet side soon to have LT1 and 4L60E pb. ps cruise and air. 68 Chevy short fleet side 400 sb 5 inch chop top pb. ps. pw. 350 auto and shaved handles 68 anniversary no engine long wheel base 400 auto FOR SALE 68 Chevy fleet side long wheel base complete parts truck.

10-18-2002, 09:19 AM	#11
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,689	I have a three on the tree and I hate it. Nothing like having it lock up when your out in the cold with no tools. It's days are numbered, will be gone in less than a month. SM465 is ready to be put in. Then I will be happy with having a manual. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-18-2002, 10:29 AM	#12
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	I have a saginaw 4 speed from a 82 camaro in my 69. The conversion was simple. It bolted up to the stock bellhousing, and was the same length as the original 3-speed. I was able to use the original driveshaft with no modification. Hurst makes a linkage kit specifically for our trucks for this transmission so shifter placement was no problem at all. I'm very happy with it , and would recommend this setup to anyone on a low budget. My conversion cost less than $250 (junkyard trans $100, linkage kit $120, used shifter $25) and was accomplished in about 4 hours. I realize that the saginaw 4-speeds aren't the most desirable, but I've had very good luck with mine. It shifts great, and the gear ratios really make the truck fun to drive. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

10-18-2002, 10:38 AM	#13
brennecke Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Missouri Posts: 469	I have a three on the tree, and I like it as long as it doesn't hang up. I'd love to have a six speed behind the 500 when I get it in though. __________________ Never tire of doing what is right II Thess. 3:13 Northeast Missouri 71 LWB original 350 3/speed Soon to be 500

10-18-2002, 10:48 AM	#14
yellowgmc Getting cabin fever?!?!?! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: chisholm, mn Posts: 1,679	i had the 3 on the tree, was in process of changing to floor shifter when the tranny gave out. Its now stuck in 3rd gear. Kinda hard to staret out in. I'm debating which 4 or 5 speed to swap in but no auto. Sticks are too much fun! __________________ Member of the Discs Up Front Club 1972 GMC 1500 1994 F-150 XL 4x4 Tact is for people not whitty enough to be sarcastic

10-18-2002, 11:09 AM	#15
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,739	I really like having the manual trans in the JImmy. The jury is out on the truck. SOmetimes I like the auto (just pokin' around town, a little stoplight action, having someone ride in the middle) but pulling a trailer with the granny gear 4 speed puts more power to the ground and is more efficient on the road. Also lets you better modulate wheel spin offroad or at the boat ramp. (I never need 4 wheel drive in the Jimmy to pull my 3500# boat/trailer combo if I use first gear, but borrowed my buddies 2001 HD auto and it would start spinning the tires HARD halfway up the ramp and you would have to go 4wd to get up the ramp!) I have all of the parts (crossmember, crossshaft, pushrod, etc. to put the SM465 from my parts SBC Longhorn into my BBC truck. It was VERY difficult to find the bigblock manual trans stuff and I will still have to have a custom front driveshaft half made. But at least big block TH400 trucks already have a high hump as well as all of the 4 speed trucsk. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax



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10-18-2002, 11:21 AM	#16
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	Hope I can get rid of this 3 speed next weekend. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

10-18-2002, 06:29 PM	#17
Rusty 6 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: See above Posts: 3	I've got the three on the tree in the old 72 C/10 with the 250 six cylinder. Its ok for a work truck, simple and not much to go wrong with it. Its kind of a nice change from the automatic but I'd have to say I prefer the automatic for long term use. __________________ Rusty 6

10-18-2002, 06:39 PM	#18
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,103	Going to a auto from 3-speed so my better half can drive it!!!!!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

10-18-2002, 08:34 PM	#19
JoetheMobster Listening since '86 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 1,799	Have the original Three on the tree, and it's staying that way!! __________________ 2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product

10-18-2002, 09:15 PM	#20
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	My '69 and '69 are 4 on the floor. both of my '72s are slush boxes. I hate slush boxes... If I could, I'd change the *^&%&^% autos to manual. Great thing is that my wife feels the same way. She almost made me buy a Suburban in lots worse shape because it had a 4-speed! __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

10-18-2002, 09:44 PM	#21
mesintex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: emory,texas Posts: 3	have 67 step side with 283 4 speed on floor and love it.was my brothers and passed in january of this year.i almost have it ready for a road trip.i can load my tailer with all the bulls it will hold and they are huge. put it in first gear and can't tell they are there.don't care for the fuel milage but love it would consider of letting go of it. Last edited by mesintex; 10-18-2002 at 09:49 PM.

10-18-2002, 10:42 PM	#22
deadmeat521 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: pasadena,tx Posts: 31	mine is four on the flour muncie m22 rock crusher i drive it everyday and love it __________________ 72 pickup:vortec heads,msd ignition,& m22 rock crusher

10-19-2002, 01:21 AM	#23
shadetree Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Knightstown, in, usa Posts: 2,525	Four Speeds Forever! Muncie (car-type) 4 speed, no automatics for me, please. __________________ 1970 long fleet, 355 4 speed, primer, walnut goodies

10-19-2002, 05:31 AM	#24
TODDS 72 Not the nightly winner Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CHARLEMONT MA.USA Posts: 763	3 on the tree and its stayin __________________ 72C10SWB BLUE 350/350 86K10LWB BLUE 5.7 700r4 7.5' fisher plow 93S10XCAB4X4 BLUE 4.3 4L60e 69gmc c10 v8 3 on the tree yellow 72k10 swb 350 3 on the tree green 86k15 swb5.0L 4spd brown

10-19-2002, 01:50 PM	#25
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	started out with a saginaw 4-speed (car)..and it was a blast till it exploded then put in a 3-speed and i hated it...cant jam gears.. __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

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