trans question

[ole39]

hi guys, have a question. i have a 39 trans with the old style synchro, and a 46 with the new style. was going to swap the 39 gears for the 46, but the 46 cluster gears are bad, will the 46 main shaft work with the 39 cluster? and i suppose you would use the 46 thrust washers. any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

I believe they will as long as the clusters have the same number of teeth on the big end . If they are different you must use the main drive that goes with that cluster.

 

[rotorwrench]

There are a fair number of clusters that will work in the 78 style top shift case. As was mentioned before, you need to have the correct input drive gear to work with the cluster you choose. Your best bet would be to find another 39 through 48 Ford 3-speed transmission with the gearing you want. You will need to find a shifter top that has the large intermediate/high shifter fork or at least find the wide fork to replace yours narrow one in order to use the later type synchronizer hub. Top is P/N 81A-7222 Fork is 91A-7230. If you use an early cluster 51A-7113 you will have to use the thrust washers that fit it.

Check out Mac VanPelt's web-site and to really get a handle on the parts, purchase his "The Ins and Outs of the Early Ford Transmission" book. It's well worth the money and he has most parts you would need for an overhaul too.

Kerby