35 Ford trans. upgrade

R

russtford

Junior Member
I have a beautifully restored fordor sedan. Built it for my grandkids. Trans is a pain. Want to upgrade to a sync trans. Can I replace with 39/40 gears or will a 39 Mercury or Ford be a direct exchange?
 
All 1932-48 passenger cars and commercial 3-sp trans had syncro 2nd and 3rd gears. They changed and improved the syncro design during 1939. The 1939-48 3-sp transmission innards can be installed in your 35 case but is best to use all the same component unless you are very familiar with the transmissions. Using the 39 and later innards requires the use of a 1936 and later top cover with a 91A 2/3 shifter fork and with corresponding shift lever. An enlargement of the hole in your 35 floor boards is also necessary. The same type 1935-36 rubber rear trans mount and clutch cross-shaft activating arm should be used.

That being said, your 35 trans if in good shape or rebuilt properly will perform very nicely. You could buy a used 39 type trans and have problems with it also, as there is a lot of junk out there so it is hard to know the best solution.

If you were closer, I'd help you sort it out. Maybe someone down your way with some knowledge could help you out.
 
Russ, What Barn Junk said is correct, and it probably sounds daunting for someone not experienced in these transmissions, but it really is not difficult at all, providing you follow the tips given. For more detailed information, read up on the subject at Mac Van Pelt's website.

Mac Van Pelt www.vanpeltsales.com
Transmission parts, website flathead information

Mac can also furnish you with everything you need, and will talk you through the job also.
 
Hey Russ,
The '39 with large shift fork and double detent tower and newer type syncro is an 'upgrade' and pretty much bolt in. I've got one behind my '32 four cyl (with V8 clutch setup) and one behind my '36 V8. If you have a chance to drive/experience the '39 from friends car/truck maybe that would help make up your mind before switching. Good luck
 
The 39-51 or 52 commercial shift tower with the wide front fork wil work with the 39-48 gears in the 35 case.I did the same thing on a 33 coupe,but i used a 46 commercial trans case as it was a bit deeper than the 35 case which allowed the cluster to drop down lower for easier assembly.If your trans seems like a non syncro trans,then the syncros are likely worn out
 
Seeing as how my trans is actually a syncro looks like the smart thing to do would be to rebuild it. Are parts readily available? If so what is the best reliable source? Thanks and Happy New Year, drink responsibly. Russ
 
I have put a '39 transmission in my '35 coupe. The '35 transmission cover, the sheet metal floor cover, will not fit. The opening is too small for the '39 shift tower. Do I have to enlarge that opening in the '35 cover. I hate to cut in to it. Any tips? Thanks.
 
The shift tower is slanted on a 1935 whereas a 1939 is not. You’ll have to enlarge the hole, or find a 1936 cover. 1936’s were straight like a 1939
 
russ,
I agree...rebuild what you have. NOS syncro hubs are getting scarce as are the
bushings 2nd spins on. I know Mac has some but not an unlimited supply. Be painfully
careful when inspecting the syncro teeth on the main drive gear and on 2nd gear.
It's all in Mac's book which pays for itself pronto. These trans are simple but there
are devils in the details.
Charlie ny
 
You can use the 35 top on a 39 box by changing the fork ,Lawrie on here has done one ,That being said your 35 Box can be correctly rebuilt will work fine ,that has been mentioned Ted
 
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