Incorrect 1934 BB Truck bellhousing?

[Cmspencer]

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I have a 1934 Ford BB truck that I’ve been piecing together for years, only to recently find out I have a fitment issue with the ‘34 Flathead in it. Not sure why it didn’t dawn on me when I was installing the engine, but it sits much further back than it should. The engine mounts are different from any other 34 BB truck I’ve seen (they also look homemade), and the back of the fuel pump/breather is practically touching the firewall. Additionally, the ID stamped on the trans shows the transmission is a 1935 year.. Do I possibly have an incorrect bell housing? What parts might I need to make this right? I’m at a loss here and hoping somebody can shine some light. Attaching a few photos of the firewall, engine mounts and transmission ID.

 

[petehoovie]

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I have a 1934 Ford BB truck that I’ve been piecing together for years, only to recently find out I have a fitment issue with the ‘34 Flathead in it. Attaching a few photos of the firewall, engine mounts and transmission ID.

 

[T Scott]

I think you're right. The front mounts have been modified and as such, the front of the engine may be raised which would account for the limited clearance at the firewall. The stock mount may actually be still under the homemade plate. You will also need the proper motor mount bolts and rubber/metal biscuits.

 

[DavidG]

The replacement of your transmission gives rise to the possibility that your truck was originally built with a four-cylinder engine which is longer front to back than the V8. The rear axle torque tube and drive shaft were shorter that their V8 counter parts. In addition to what you have provided, it would be helpful to see the rear of the transmission and how it is attached to the truck's chassis frame.

 

[Cmspencer]

I think you're right. The front mounts have been modified and as such, the front of the engine may be raised which would account for the limited clearance at the firewall. The stock mount may actually be still under the homemade plate. You will also need the proper motor mount bolts and rubber/metal biscuits.

Right you are T Scott, the stock motor mounts are sandwiched under that plate on both sides. Essentially, I need to ditch these homemade looking motor Mount plates and scoot the engine forward approximately 2 inches to mount in the correct location. However this leads me down this rabbit hole of where I get those 2 inches from. My only theory at this point is that my bell housing is incorrect.. this is where my lack of early V8 Ford knowledge shows. I’m not sure how many different bell housing’s are/ were available and what I need to get the correct fitment.

 

[Cmspencer]

That sounds very plausible! I had no idea the 4 cyclinder was longer. The only reason I had thought this was an original v8 truck was the v8 badging it had (grille, hood).. But we both know that doesn’t mean anything. I’ll post more pictures tomorrow, thank you for your help!

 

[Brian]

I'm by no means very knowledgeable about 34's, but I seem to recall the rear transmission mount is reversed when a V8 engine is installed. This moves the whole kaboodle forward. Someone with more knowledge of 34's will either verify this as fact or rubbish it!! And then there is the different length torque tube/drive shaft issue!

 

[Newc]

It is a BB ton/a half truck tho. Newc

 

[TerryOH]

The BB18 in the serial no. on the transmission does not mean much unless it is the same prefix on the serial number stamped on the frame rail? Are there large holes in the front cross member for motor mounts under the wires in your one of your photos. A photo of the attachment at the rear of the transmission should help.

 

[jimTN]

Transmission will work, motor mts are off, fuel pump stand is incorrect, 34 has a long filler tube. Without seeing rear of trans, hard to say whats wrong. I have a 34 trk and will look at the trans mounting to see what can be reversed.Believe the T Tube should be the same for both v8 and 4, the short shaft behind the trans may be the change.

 

[Cmspencer]

Transmission will work, motor mts are off, fuel pump stand is incorrect, 34 has a long filler tube. Without seeing rear of trans, hard to say whats wrong. I have a 34 trk and will look at the trans mounting to see what can be reversed.Believe the T Tube should be the same for both v8 and 4, the short shaft behind the trans may be the change.

Here’s a few pictures of the transmission.

 

[petehoovie]

Here’s a few pictures of the transmission.

 

[Reds34]

Cmspencer,

That isn't a '34 BB transmission. The '34 will have a seperate bellhousing and transmission. Measure what you have from the face of the bellhousing to the crossmember. I can measure my '34 BB to see what I have.

On a side note, where does that brake light spring connect?

Red

 

[Bob C]

I looked in my Hollander Interchange and 1932-39 transmissions will interchange. The parts book shows the coupling shaft and the #2 cross member are the same 4 or 8 cylinder.

 

[petehoovie]

I looked in my Hollander Interchange and 1932-39 transmissions will interchange. The parts book shows the coupling shaft and the #2 cross member are the same 4 or 8 cylinder.

 

[svm99]

The "51" part number on the side of the transmission denotes it as a 1935 or later truck 4 spd. As said before the '34 has a detachable bellhousing which is quite long.

I believe I have the correct transmission, I might not have the bellhousing though.
Paul J.

 

[jimTN]

Just checked a 1t I have, your problem is those plates bolted to the frame and the actual motor mts which seem to be 35/6 and you need 33/4 mts, they will bolt into the crossmember with the correct rubber pads. It would appear someone put a 35/6 engine and trans in your trk. The transmission will work and when you bolt your engine down properly the back end will be fine.

 

[Reds34]

You have the wrong transmission in the truck. Are you finishing it to sell? I am including photos of a '35 transmission and '34 transmission. The '34 is about 2" longer with the bellhousing being the difference. I think* (and I have no soild evidence to back this up) that you can use an AA transmission provided you use a '34 bellhousing.

Red

 

[petehoovie]

You have the wrong transmission in the truck. Are you finishing it to sell? I am including photos of a '35 transmission and '34 transmission. The '34 is about 2" longer with the bellhousing being the difference. I think* (and I have no soild evidence to back this up) that you can use an AA transmission provided you use a '34 bellhousing.

Red

 

[Bob C]

Red, could you show he bell housings of he two different transmissions?