1965 Chevy Truck Manual Transmission Identification
by Floyd Drake IIIChevrolet trucks made in 1965 are equipped with one of three manual transmissions: Muncie, Saginaw and Borg-Warner. The first two were manufactured by General Motor, the third, Borg-Warner. Visual identification, model number and gear-tooth counting provides the surest identification.
Visual Identification
To visually identify a transmission, count the number of bolts on the cover, and locate the reverse gear lever. The Muncie has seven bolts, and the reverse lever is in the extension housing. Saginaw transmissions also have seven bolts, but the reverse lever is on the cover. Borg-Warner transmissions have a nine-bolt cover.
Number Identification
Due to inconsistencies, the reliability of the Chevrolet manual transmission numbering system is questionable. The code, a combination of numbers and letters, will be stamped somewhere on the gear box. To decode the number, consulting a reference table is suggested. (see Reference 2)
Muncie Gear Teeth
To reliably identify the different models within the Muncie group, Input gear-teeth should be counted. The Muncie M20 has 24 teeth, while the M21 and M22 have 26 teeth. The M22 had "straight cut" gears, whereas the M21 gear teeth have a higher pitch angle. The M22 is also a much louder transmission that is normally installed behind big-block engines.
References
Writer Bio
A native of New Haven, Conn., Floyd Drake III began writing in 1984. His work has appeared in the "New Haven Register," Medford's "Mail-Tribune" and the "Ashland Daily Tidings." Drake studied journalism at Southern Connecticut State University. After working as a reporter in Oregon, he is now based back home in New Haven.
