A & B Running Gear For "TROG"

old28

old28

Senior Member
Well I decided to start another thread on the running gear I will need for the
"TROG" race at Pismo Beach CA. Rules call for pre 1953 stuff only.:eek:

I have a 1939 top loader trans with a new gear set in it. I know it will cost me $500+ to hook it to a Model A block, but I would have the 2/3 synro for better shifting. Also have been thinking about putting the gears from the '39 in a model B trans. Some starting questions?

What is needed to hook a Model B trans case to a model A block?

Cost of parts (give or take) ?

Are the Model B cases & top forks had to get?

Does anyone make a synro gear set for a model A trans case?

I am looking at running a 1940 banjo 4:11 rear end.
 
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fourever4 --So I get the feeling that there is no real advantage in running a B trans case with 39 gears to replace a 39 trans with the Dennis Clings adapter. Peddles location is not an issue. The only issue is the $500 for the adapter.:rolleyes:

Still like to know what it takes to adapt a B Trans to an A Block?:confused::confused:
 
fourever4 --As this will be a Model A frame set up for racing with the "TROG" group at Pismo Beach, CA peddle location is not an issue, No Emergency brake.
Am I correct that a --- "B" trans will bolt up to an "A" clutch belhousing without any modifications. I understand the oil pan modifications.

Will the 39 gear set go into a "B" Trans Case with no modification?:confused:

Are any adapters needed in a setup with B trans case to a model A block.:confused:

I just like to see if I can put a nice unit togeather without forking out $500+ for an adapter unit.:(
 
This is a B transmission bolted to an A motor. You need a B upper flywheel housing and either a B rear oil pan extension or some sort of cover. I used a 32 rear mount and K member but you can use anything that you can make work.

My B trans has 40 gears and they do fit with no problems. The clutch brake setup is a 32 mount with 34 pedals but again use whatever is around.

You should really join the HAMB. There are a lot of people over there that are building TROG cars and the banger meets would really be a plus.
 

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62pan has it right. Use as many original Ford parts as you can. Isn't a modern adapter post '53? 32 K member is the way. Nothing wrong with the B case, I have '40 Zephyr gears in mine, along with the Lincoln Columbia with 4.44:1 gears....perfect for playing in the sand!
Ted
 
62pan --Thanks for the information and picture on the 32 trans to Model A block. I am a member on the HAMB, Same "old28" & have a build thread on my last 6 cylinder dragster on the site. As I am just getting started I have been happy with the Ford Barn site for the time being.

motordr -- Correct on the adapter, that is why I want to go with the B trans to an A block with pre '53 parts. Glad to hear that the gear set fits the case without any machine work. I will be running a 1940 Ford banjo rear with 4.11 gears.
 
Are the B trans cases and upper clutch/flywheel housing on the endangered list or are they still out there at Model A swap meets & for sale on the internet? I will try want ad on this site & HAMB.
 
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Please be aware that a B flywheel housing does NOT have the same location for the starter as on an A flywheel housing. It is rotated up toward the engine. This prevents the starter pushrod from aligning with the switch. I did the later gears in a 32 case and used the B pan and B flywheel housing but never again. You need special motor mounts too. I recommend keeping the V8 gearcase and using the aluminum adaptor. Be also aware the aluminum adaptor sometimes interferes with the radius rod.
 
Bud said:
Please be aware that a B flywheel housing does NOT have the same location for the starter as on an A flywheel housing. It is rotated up toward the engine. This prevents the starter pushrod from aligning with the switch. I did the later gears in a 32 case and used the B pan and B flywheel housing but never again. You need special motor mounts too. I recommend keeping the V8 gearcase and using the aluminum adaptor. Be also aware the aluminum adaptor sometimes interferes with the radius rod.
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What problems did you have with the later gears in the B case and what problems did you have with the B flywheel housing and pan?

Charlie Stephens
 
Bud --Thanks for the information on the trans/case/mounts/starter. As this will be a model A frame & engine race car for the beach race at Pismo Beach, CA I will be building and modifying lots of stuff from it's original locations to fit myself.

Charlie Stephens -- Thanks for the offer on the clutch housing. I am only in the planing stage so just building a file of what is out there.

I am currently having some medical issues and having daily radiation treatment. Have about two more weeks of treatment and then we will see if I can make this project happen. Until then I 'LL just keep asking questions and try to get as many views from as many people as I can.
 
62pan and OTHERS --- I would like to make sure I have everything correct from the information & picture you sent. You said you used a 32 K member. Is the 34 Brake & clutch connected to the K Member or the trans? It looks like the K member. So far you and others have said that the 39 & 40 gears with syncro will go right into a B case without modifications. Will all41 -48 gears work also? Will side shift gear sets work with a 32 top load case?
 
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old28 said:
62pan and OTHERS --- I would like to make sure I have everything correct from the information & picture you sent. You said you used a 32 K member. Is the 34 Brake & clutch connected to the K Member or the trans? It looks like the K member. So far you and others have said that the 39 & 40 gears with syncro will go right into a B case without modifications. Will all41 -48 gears work also? Will side shift gear sets work with a 32 top load case?
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The '32 and '34 brake and clutch assemblies both bolt to the chassis. In a '32 it is a K member and in a '34 it is an X member. The pedal assemblies are different and I don't know how much work it would be to interchange them. The '40 to '48 gears are the same as the '39 and they will go into the B case. Remember you need a '39 tower for the gears. The trucks were open drive and the cars were closed so there a few parts unique to each application. Don't worry about the flywheel housing I emailed you about, it will be around if you need it.

Charlie Stephens
 
The K member I used is cut down to fit the A frame and so are the K member legs. I used a 32 brake mount and 34 pedals. Using the 34 pedals put them in the same location as the A pedals. There are other options. You could use a pickup F1 trans mount. They are alot cheaper than a 32 K member. Still in your time period. If you do a search on the Hamb I'm sure you will see what I am talking about. You can then make a wishbone and brake mounts designed for that.

What Charlie said about the gears is correct. The only issue is the order in which they are assembled. I would have to check Van Pelts book to see what I did.
 
62pan -- Thanks for the reply. As this is not a restoration I will just fab a tube unit for mounts and brackets. I have ordered Van Pelts book and catalog on the trans stuff. More good reading.

Not wanting to purchase right now but are the B trans cases hard to come by? I have a line on the B clutch/flywheel housing from a member here on this site.

Charlie Stephens -- Thanks for the additional information on the gears, peddle mounting and the housing.
 
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They are around, not on everone's want list so you dont see them listed much. If one pops up don't hold back though. If I see any close to you I will let you know. Shipping cost now a days hurts alot of sales on those.
 
I ordered Van Pelts trans book today along with their parts catalog. Should be some good reading and help in my B trans build.

Thanks to all for the information on the parts I need to mount the B Case to an A Block.
 
To answer the question about the 39 gears in the 32 case: yes it can be done but it took me a couple days to horse these gears into the case. Tight fit. I would recommend leaving the gears in the V8 case and just buying the different adaptor. These are a few of the things that don't get mentioned when others advocate these swaps.
 
Bud, I did this swap and I was lucky to have Van Pelts book. For the 39 gears in a 32 case he detailed the how to part in the back of the book. Was easy knowing what to do and the correct order.
 
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