Tranny adapters

[Jim Grammer <jimg@domain.elided>]

>Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 08:27:48 -0800
>From: Michael Alexander <malexand@domain.elided>
>Subject: Transmission Adapter Question
>
>I have a friend who works at a high tech machine shop with a computer
>operated laser cutter. He claims he can design and cut transmission
>adapters out of AL plate. Is it possible to use a plate type adapter to
>mate a modern 5 or 6 speed truck transmission to an International 345?
>
>m alexander

Out on a limb a little, I'd say your main concern would be the tranny input 
shaft length in relation to the IH bellhousing. The truck bellhousing 
requires an input shaft 'stickout' of 10 1/2(might be 3/4), which is pretty 
long. you'd also need to match the 10 spline(1 1/4?)IH input shaft to use 
the IH clutch ass'y. Tranny adapters that compensate input shaft length 
tend to be cast and machined or carved from big chunks o' billet, so 
they're expensive. Plate adapters are perfect for bolt pattern and small 
length changes. I think in your case you should investigate a complete 
bellhousing/clutch/tranny swap using a custom plate adapter between the IH 
bellhousing and something new. Maybe one of the SAE patterns? I think that 
would give you a pretty fair choice of trannies, but the clutch parts and 
input shaft length would be a real mix and match challenge, and who knows 
how the IH flywheel would work.

Jim