41 Ford 3spd Downshifting problem

Ford1941

Ford1941

Member
I have a 1941 Ford with a newly rebuilt transmission and I am having some trouble downshifting into 2nd gear. If I am going faster than about 10 mph, it will grind and cluck as I downshift from 3rd gear to 2nd. During the rebuild, I replaced the syncro rings, the intermediate (2nd) gear and gapped the mainshaft washer to within .008. I am running Valvoline 85W-140 gear oil. The car seems to upshift from 1st to 2nd pretty well -- only on limited occasions will I have a very subtle cluck when it slips up into 2nd. Any thoughts on my downshifting problem?

Thanks, Scott.
 
The first thing I would check is whether or not you are getting a full release of the clutch.

If the clutch is dragging a little ...
 
Thank you for the tip. I adjusted the clutch free play and am pretty certain the clutch is fully disengaging. In addition to this I adjusted the shifter linkage and changed the gear lube to a 75W90, and am still having difficulties downshifting. I fear I may have an issue with the fit of my new replacement syncro rings. For now I have resorted to double clutching (which works) until I can figure the problem out, which will likely mean taking apart the trans again. Thanks again!!
 
I don't think you'll have to pull it apart... These trans' are made, that you have to double clutch. Ken
 
'41,
Don't ask me how I know this BUT I know it.
There are some really bad NEW syncro rings for sale by even
the best suppliers. Two critical dimensions...which I guess the Chinese
don't understand....are usually not right.
#1 the 3 cutouts must measure .300 from the 'tooth' face
to the bottom of the cut out
#2 the syncro ring when installed on 2nd gear or the main drive
gear should have a gap between the teeth faces about the thickness of a
dime.
It is not uncommon to find the .300 dimension to be .350
and the gap to measure .090 to .100.
Charlie ny
cas5845@yahoo.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top