Factory 4-speed in 30 Tudor?

pyrodork

pyrodork

Member
I recently bought a 30 Tudor that was advertised as a possible police car. It has a spotlight and (I'm told) a 4-speed transmission. I haven't driven it outside of the driveway yet because I need to address some stuff first, but I'm curious about this transmission. I haven't gotten it into a 4th gear while parked, but it has the AA shift pattern and reverse lockout lever. After a very quick glance, it doesn't appear to have a spot for a PTO; but to be fair, I didn't look terribly hard. I haven't looked for identifying numbers yet.

I'm wondering, was this an actual option and what can I expect from it that's different from the 3-speed? And seeing as I haven't been able to find the 4th gear yet, is it possible that I can't get to it without already driving? I need to check the fluids too.

This is not my first A, but this is my first time driving one. I'm a member of the local club and will ask questions when we meet up next.

Thanks!
 
The 4-speed truck transmission was an option that could be installed in "A" passenger cars.

These are the parts that make it possible to install the AA 4-speed transmission into an A "passenger" vehicle.

A-7085-E Rear Bearing Retainer
A-7090-C U-Joint Assembly
AA-7095 U-Joint knuckle retainer.
 
Many folks used their cars almost like a tractor, the change over should have included a HEAVY duty tow hook!
Small wonder why many frames are "tweeked"!
Bill W.
 
The 4 speed option for cars was for customers who wanted the PTO option. Spot lights were an option for all not just police cars.
 
the 4-speed transmission was typically for a PU, or AA truck because it had the super low 1st gear (granny gear). I have one in a passenger car and it is useless unless you really need 2mph for some reason.
Don't think of it like a modern 4-speed which is almost like an overdrive, the Model A 4-speed is a super creep 1st gear with a regular ratio 3-speed for gears 2, 3 and 4.
 
Yeah, it has a PTO spot. Spent today (in the low 20's!) replacing wiring and such. Brr! And the joys of finding more things that need replacing.

Bill, there's no tow hook, but it does have a trailer hitch! Perhaps that's the reason for the 4-speed?

D, how do you drive yours? Do you start from 2nd or do you still use 1st for the first 20 feet or whatever? Would there be any drivability benefit to switch to a 3-speed? Probably not, I imagine.

Pictures... Gotta find my photobucket password, I guess!
 
Found photo album options in my profile.

picture.php


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I like your car...!

Here is a link to an earlier thread....Lots of questions by me and good info from others..

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167726


1st on the 4 speed is 6.4 to 1...so you roll about 6 feet before you shift to second...

2nd is 3.09 vs 3.12 for the 3 speed's 1st gear...

3rd 1:69 vs 1:85

High gear is 1:1 on both....

I did the conversion back to a 3 speed. It solved a lot of fit issues but if your 4-speed is working well you may as well stick with it. Most parts are available except the counter gear shaft's are very scarce..

Here they are side by side
 

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For a high speed rear axel, you swap in a ring/pinion gear set. I think the ratio is 3.25:1, compared to stock 3.78:1. Run that through a calculator to see what it gets you for each gear. I think it's like a 15% overdrive with 3 other lower gears. Could be fun.
 
I have a 1928 Roadster Pickup with the AA 4 Speed retrofitted back in 1931 as that's the casting date on the case.
It was popular option back then to have that Granny Gear to get a heavy load moving without slipping the clutch too much.
I really like the 4 speed in mine. Normal driving you will start out in second gear.
The gear spread is more of a close Ratio than the 3 speed.
The engine pulls better when shifting from 3rd to 4th as there is less engine rpm drop. That is because it's a closer ratio than the three speed.
Using the Granny 1st gear is perfect for loading onto my Car Trailer as there is practically no slipping the clutch going up the ramps and you are moving at a safe speed.
Granny 1st gear is ideal in a Parade too as it prevents you from have to slip and ride the clutch when a Parade is moving slow or stopping often.
Remember the more you are pushing on the clutch pedal the more you are wearing out your Precious Babbitt Thrust Bearing. This is the reason I learned how to shift without Double clutching. It take's a little practice but about 2 1/2 second delay between gears and slowly moving the shift lever you can feel when the gear teeth match speeds. it will shift smoothly.
Reverse is also a Granny Gear on the AA 4 Speed. It's very nice when backing up a steep driveway as you once again don't need to slip the clutch to prevent lugging the engine.
 
Fullraceflathead,

What setup for a ring and pinion do you have: 3:54 or 3:25?
Also what speed can you attain in 4th? I am not looking to race but would like to
ride at about 45-50 MPH with no strain on the motor.

Thanks for any info you can foward.
 
Awesome, FullRace! Great info! I'd love to hear more about how people use their 4-speeds in cars and what their setups are. It's also nice to hear that I'm not the only one searching for information on the subject.
 
My rear end gears are the standard 3:78.
I can run 60 mph easy but usually keep it at 50 mph.
4th is the same as 3rd in a 3 speed. Its direct drive.
My Model A Roadster Pick up is all stock except it does have a lightened Flywheel.
It's bores were once .125 over but now is sleeved bank to standard and has the original milled head.
 
Pal of mine in the 50's had a 4 speed in a 30 coupe. Great for old fire roads and other off road stuff where you could go without a drivers license.
 
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