350 3 on the tree??

[TwinStickPeterbilt]

I'm looking for my first truck (I have a immaculate 86 shortbread step side to drive but I want a fleet side long bed) and I want a 81-87 C20 preferably camper special and for some reason I want a 3 on the tree Saginaw. Does anyone know if I can make one fit a 350 or not? And if it would eat the transmission every six months? Looking at the possibility of hauling a gooseneck with some round bales or a bumper pull trailer with a small tractor.

Thanks to anyone than can offer any help..

[zieg85]

I'm looking for my first truck (I have a immaculate 86 shortbread step side to drive but I want a fleet side long bed) and I want a 81-87 C20 preferably camper special and for some reason I want a 3 on the tree Saginaw. Does anyone know if I can make one fit a 350 or not? And if it would eat the transmission every six months? Looking at the possibility of hauling a gooseneck with some round bales or a bumper pull trailer with a small tractor.

Thanks to anyone than can offer any help..

Good luck in your search.  3 on the tree is really rare I am finding out.  I have never seen a 3/4T with one.  I am not saying they don't exist but just have never seen one.  I have a 1986 C10 that I am trying to put it back on the column as the previous owner busted the column and put it on the floor.

[Jason S]

I want a 81-87 C20 preferably camper special and for some reason I want a 3 on the tree Saginaw

Along the same lines as Zieg's post, I can count on my hand the number of column shift 80's Chevrolet/GMC trucks that I've encountered; and all of those were bare bones 1/2 ton trucks. 

Additionally, if the column shift was still available for C-20's and if it was an available option with the Camper package, I'd think that would be a one-off or special order truck. It'd be rare, but I've seen some rather odd factory combinations before.

Does anyone know if I can make one fit a 350 or not?

There shouldn't be an issue with bolting one up.

And if it would eat the transmission every six months?

As with towing any heavy trailers, it depends upon how often and how much weight.  If you're only occasionally trailer towing, I'd suspect a worn clutch (from slipping the clutch to get a heavy load going) would be your bigger issue.  I'd prefer the SM465 4-speed for pulling, even if it's only occasional, since it has the deep low (granny) gear. 

[bake74]

     The only 3 on the tree trucks I have seen personally where the ones that came with the straight 6 motor, otherwise they have been automatics, not to say they didn't exist, but like they said could be rare.

[Boone83K10]

believe it or not there was a 3 on the tree truck for sale here in Boone, NC about 10-11months ago. I know because that is when I was looking to purchase a 4x4 truck, which is how I have my current one. It was a V8 and had a snow plow on the front of it. There was nothing left of the bed or lower part of the cab due to the rust from salty roads during winter.

BUT IT STILL RAN!!!! I have no clue what happen to it as it is no longer in front of that house where I looked at it.

[TwinStickPeterbilt]

Thanks for the help guys, the only reason I wanted something other than the 4 speed was I didn't want a shifter in the floor, but I wanted a manual. 3 on the tree is all I've known for column shifted. I think I may just go with a stock TH400. I've heard from everyone that their bullet proof..