Synchromesh 4 Speed for 1950 2R10

[philbirkeland]

Having just rebuilt the stock Champion engine, installed a rebuilt clutch, and swapped the OEM small radiator for the HD one with a fan shroud, I am now driving the truck a lot more. I am having a terrible time learning to shift the gearbox, which is totally crash (no synchromesh at all) and has straight spur gears (not even helical). Lessons from an experienced friend have been only partially successful. Is there a later 4-speed transmission that has synchromesh in at least 3rd and 4th, and that is a bolt-in conversion? Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[PackardV8]

The later trucks used the T98 with sychro on the top three gears. Makes it a completely different driving experience. Do it soonest.

Having said this, if it were my truck, I'd convert to 3-speed with overdrive and a floor shifter. That's an even better driving experience.

thnx jack vines

[philbirkeland]

Thanks much. Being new to Studebakers, I have a couple more questions. Is the T98 a bolt-in conversion? That still leaves 4 gear as 1:1. A 3-speed with OD would make top gear around 0.75:1, drastically improving cruise speed. I assume that combo normally would have been used on cars with column shifts. What do I do to get a floor shift? I would appreciate any additional info you could give me. Thanks, Phil.

[philbirkeland]

I forgot about the parking brake. 4 speed transmissions normally came with an externally contracting band brake on the driveshaft. 3 speed transmissions came used cable actuation of the rear axle brake shoes. With a 3-speed, what do I do about the parking brake? Thanks, Phil.

[PackardV8]

Hi, Phil.

The Borg-Warner T96 overdrive is even better, a .70 overdrive gear. It would require getting the complete bell housing, transmission and driveshaft, but these are pretty common in R/E-series pickups. The floor shifter conversion will require some fabrication from someone who knows how, but it is well worth the expense and effort.

I've driven a 4-speed truck for years and the three-speed with overdrive makes it a pleasure to use on the highways. You do give up the granny gear for heavy hauling, but few of us use Studes for that any more.

thnx, jack vines

[rusty nut garage]

ditto what jack said the 3sp od is the way to go!!

[PackardV8]

With a 3-speed, what do I do about the parking brake?

Sorry I forgot to mention the OD conversion would need the under-dash handle, cable and rear wheel bits from the donor truck. It is a bit of fiddling, but the overdrive literally transforms the R10 from a rock-in-the-stream freeway obstacle into a usable vehicle. Not to mention the improvement in fuel economy and dramatic noise reduction.

jack vines