'39 transmission gear set compatibility

flathead34

flathead34

Senior Member
Can you put a '39 transmission gear set into a model 48 ('35 transmission case . with a 81 gear shift housing and have it work?
 
No, you need a 39 and later shift housing with that gear set. They will fit in the early case though.
 
Alchemy:I have a shift tower that has an 81 part number on it that I plan to use. i think that is the right one. Not sure what shift lever to use.
 
The 81A tower will work if it has the 3” (91A) fork. Some ‘38 and early ‘39 do not, so you need to check. 16/28 gears will generally go into a 48 case without issues, but a 15/29 gear set will likely require some problem solving. You will need a ‘36 or later shift lever.
 
I never dig into an early Ford transmission without my VanPelt manual nearby. It tells you all the tricks and parts differences.
 
Will, I agree with you about the early 1939 cars still having the 1938 style transmissions. My 1939 sedan had the early style gears and smaller synchro and smaller fork. I updated all when I rebuilt it. I think flathead34 should go for the 39 case, I believe it has a larger thrust pad on it. I have a nice case that is already "O ringed". PM me if interested.
 
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