4 speed trans question

[48dodge5]

What year did the Pilothouse pickup start using synchronized transmissions, and is there a way to tell externally the difference? I have a 1948 with a gear grinder, it kinda takes some fun out of driving it, I would rather not do a T-5 swap.

[Merle Coggins]

3 speeds are all synchronized. 4 speeds added synchros to 3rd and 4th in ‘51 or 

‘52. 

External tell tales are the drain plug and PTO position. The synchronized 4 speeds have a horizontal drain plug instead of the angled one. And the PTO is behind the fill/level plug in stead of ahead of it, as it is on the crash boxes. 

[48dodge5]

The 3 speeds are all synchronized? That's good to know. Thank you!

[B1B Keven]

'52 for the 4 speeds and the parking brake will swap over also.

[Dodgeb4ya]

I'd learn to shift that non syncro 4 speed trans.

It's not a simple swap to a later style 420 syncro trans.

 

[Merle Coggins]

I have a later style synchro 4 speed that I would swap into my truck, if I ever find a FD input shaft for it. But for now I've got pretty used to the spur gear trans and double clutching.