Transmission Upgrade for 47 Dodge Pickup -help!!

[Tomjack1]

I would like to upgrade the 3-speed manual to something more drivable. This is an old farm truck and geared very low. (...top speed about 50 mph) The engine is from a 46-48 Plymouth, installed long before I owned the vehicle. I assume the 3-speed transmission is the original Dodge set-up.

Any thoughts on my transmission upgrade options? Is there a modern 4-speed that would fit this Plymouth (P15) engine. I know the 48 Plymouth sedan was available with a 3-speed with over-drive, I would think that might be a good option if I could ever find one? Obviously I am not going to use this as a work truck anymore so pulling/load is not an issue. I assume changing the rear-end / gear ratio will be part of the solution. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ???

Tomjack

[Robert Horne]

You could go with a 5 speed trans. Many on here have gone that route.

There are a few threads on here with the T5 trans added.

I am working on a 5 speed non T5, ( 87 Ranger), for my Plymouth.

[Jerry Roberts]

Tom Langdon (sp?) sells a kit so that you can put in a T5 overdrive transmission . But if you go this route you will loose the emergency brake . Some people then go with a modern differential with an emergency brake too . My truck is a 1941 and I just put in a Dakota rear end and bought a new drive shaft . My gears are 2.94 / 1 and it works nice on the highway . You can also read up on the subject on the site for 1939 - 1947 Dodge trucks . Ed J on this site is going with the T5 on his 194* Dodge truck so he might chime in .

[Tomjack1]

Do you need an adaptor for the 87 Ranger 5-speed or does that bolt up to it? ...perhaps a silly question but i am new to the engine/trans exchange. Thanks.

Tom

[Tomjack1]

A number of people have suggested the T-5, I think I will end up changing the rear end anyway. Sounds like a good plan. Thanks.

[Jerry Roberts]

Do you need an adaptor for the 87 Ranger 5-speed or does that bolt up to it? ...perhaps a silly question but i am new to the engine/trans exchange. Thanks.

Tom

You will need a kit . Also some T5's have a mechanical speedometer drive and others have electronics . There are differences on where some shifters are located , and gear ratios too . Do a search and study everything . You will need to drill new mounting holes . You will need to modify your cross member .

[Robert Horne]

Do you need an adaptor for the 87 Ranger 5-speed or does that bolt up to it? ...perhaps a silly question but i am new to the engine/trans exchange. Thanks.

Tom

I started a thread on here some time ago, "5 speed not T5", for the Ranger set up. I used a 87 or older Ranger trans, that have the mechanical speedometer setup. I used a 37 or 38 Plymouth bellhousing. The Ranger trans front bearing retainer needs to be shaved about 1/16 inch to go into the 5 inch hole in the Plymouth bellhousing. Drill 2 holes in the bell, and add a piece of angle iron the the bottom for 2 more bolt holes, have a new pilot bearing made.

[Young Ed]

Here's what I started so far. Spring will bring another chance to haul the chassis home and see if i can make it a runner.

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=19419