The Ford Barn

19Fordy · 05-07-2015, 06:10 PM

I have acquired 2 complete 1948 FORD 3 speed transmissions and would like to know if they are any good. If I open the side case what things can I do or inspect to evaluate the condition of these 2 transmissions. THANKS.

rotorwrench · 05-07-2015, 06:48 PM

About all you can see from the outside is whether there are any cracks between the front counter shaft bore and the input bore. Looking through the shifter cover, you can really only see the gear teeth to check for corroded, worn, or chipped gear teeth. You can see the synchro blocker teeth but you really cant tell whether they are serviceable or not. Low gear is a good one to check for wear since it isn't synchronized. It tends to take a beating and will give an idea about how well the previous owners cared for it or not.

ford38v8 · 05-07-2015, 06:49 PM

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Fordy, without disassembly, the easiest inspection would be to observe the condition of the transmission fluid as it drains, and to see what shiny gems of metal lay in the bottom of the drain pan. Not all telling, of course, but it makes for a darn good guess.

05-07-2015, 06:10 PM	#1
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,059	1948 Ford Transmission questions I have acquired 2 complete 1948 FORD 3 speed transmissions and would like to know if they are any good. If I open the side case what things can I do or inspect to evaluate the condition of these 2 transmissions. THANKS.

05-07-2015, 06:48 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,554	Re: 1948 Ford Transmission questions About all you can see from the outside is whether there are any cracks between the front counter shaft bore and the input bore. Looking through the shifter cover, you can really only see the gear teeth to check for corroded, worn, or chipped gear teeth. You can see the synchro blocker teeth but you really cant tell whether they are serviceable or not. Low gear is a good one to check for wear since it isn't synchronized. It tends to take a beating and will give an idea about how well the previous owners cared for it or not.

05-07-2015, 06:49 PM	#3
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,687	Re: 1948 Ford Transmission questions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Fordy, without disassembly, the easiest inspection would be to observe the condition of the transmission fluid as it drains, and to see what shiny gems of metal lay in the bottom of the drain pan. Not all telling, of course, but it makes for a darn good guess. __________________ Alan