three on the tree v three on the floor

[ge tadlock]

my 1950 b-2-b has 218 w/three on the tree i really like to make it three on the floor when i put it back together how big of a deal is it to change or is it even possible. thanks

[Jim Shepard]

Don't know how big a deal it is, but I thought I'd run this by you first. I have a B2B with a three on the tree. This, in combination with the re-location of the parking brake lever, really opens up the cab for extra room. I don't think I'd ever have three people in my truck at one time, but the extra room would sure make it more comfortable. I have had stuff on the floor and it helps to not have to maneuver around the gear shift...

[Merle Coggins]

I agree with Jim about keeping the floor clear. My B-2-C has a 4 speed and sometimes I wish the lever wasn't there.

However, if you really want to do the swap you'll have to find a 3 speed from a B1 ('48 or '49) that is floor shift. When you find it try to get the floor pan for it too. It'll have the hole in the right place for the lever. From there it should be an easy swap. Depending on the serial number of your truck you may have the matching u-joints or you may have the newer style u-joints. If you have the newer style you'll have to switch the output flange/park brake drum to keep the proper connection for your u-joint.

Merle

[Tony_Urwin]

Are the transmissions the same, whether floor shift or column shift? Is it as easy as swapping out the top plate to convert from column shift to floor shift?

Another consideration may be the type of emergency brake. Those vary between different series too, I think.