Convert tailshift to sideshift tranny, Can the tranny be converted? Options

[Doug Leggins]

Fairly certain that I have seen info that a tailshift transmission can be converted to a sideshift transmission. But I can't find the information now. Anyone know if this can be done? Easy? Know where to find info on how to/what is involved?

I'm asking because I have a tailshift transmission in my 72 that works really well. But I'm building a 73 and need a sideshift tranny. I have 3 sideshift transmissions but do not know the history of any of them.

If a tail shift to side shift conversion is possible, is it recommended?

I also have 2 other tailshift transmissions that I do not know the history of.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) Too many transmissions!

It seems that there must be a way for me to use the transmissions that I have to make sure that I have a good working side shift transmission in my 73 project.

Thoughts/suggestions?

[Red-Beard]

If you have a sawzall, you can make the shiftfork alignment tool out of an un-used tranny case. I should have done this to the dozen tranny cases i dumped earlier this year, and sold them on evil-bay.

Actually, the conversion can be done to the tranny quite easily. It really just involves changing the shift forks to the late ones and having the new external shifter. The rest of the regular conversion applies.

Now, the question is...why would anyone want to do this? The reason you would is...it's easier than tearing down the gear stacks. If you have an excellently working tailshift, then changing the forks is pretty easy. The hardest part is getting the detent balls and springs put together properly in the intermediate plate.

And really, it's the internal shift RODS that the forks are attached to, that are different.

You can reuse the old tail cover. It would look better if you cut odd the old shift rod link and welded or filled that hole with expoxy.