The Ford Barn

38 coupe · 07-06-2024, 07:02 AM

If your existing transmission case is not damaged it is a good candidate to swap in a later gear set. As others have mentioned the gear set from the side shift transmissions can swap into your 37 case. You will need the 39-50 top shift 2-3 shift fork. Someone was fabricating these by cutting and welding commonly available.

However, there is nothing really wrong with the 32-38 transmissions. The synchronizer shifts slower than the 39 and later one, but does work. What is wrong with the existing transmission? Have you considered rebuilding the one you have with new bearings and synchronizer parts?

1937sedandelivery · 07-06-2024, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the good info.
My existing tranny has several gear teeth chipped off, to the point of it not being able to shift thru the gears when I drive it. I plan to remove the tranny next week and take it apart to see if things can be replaced. Not sure how complicated that will be. Also, not sure if I will be able to find replacement parts, gaskets, etc.
gregg

38 coupe · 07-06-2024, 11:18 AM

Since the guts of your current transmission are bad it makes sense to swap in later parts, if cost effective. You would need to install a 91A shift fork in your existing shift top if you go with a later gear set. As others have said the Van Pelt book is very good, and I second the suggestion to get one. Rebuilding a transmission is doable if you have the physical strength and dexterity, and rewarding when done. Here is a link to the advertisement offering fabricated shift forks, maybe these are still available? https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328829

07-06-2024, 07:02 AM	#21
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,040	Re: 37 tranny replacement If your existing transmission case is not damaged it is a good candidate to swap in a later gear set. As others have mentioned the gear set from the side shift transmissions can swap into your 37 case. You will need the 39-50 top shift 2-3 shift fork. Someone was fabricating these by cutting and welding commonly available. However, there is nothing really wrong with the 32-38 transmissions. The synchronizer shifts slower than the 39 and later one, but does work. What is wrong with the existing transmission? Have you considered rebuilding the one you have with new bearings and synchronizer parts?

07-06-2024, 10:19 AM	#22
1937sedandelivery Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 339	Re: 37 tranny replacement Thanks for the good info. My existing tranny has several gear teeth chipped off, to the point of it not being able to shift thru the gears when I drive it. I plan to remove the tranny next week and take it apart to see if things can be replaced. Not sure how complicated that will be. Also, not sure if I will be able to find replacement parts, gaskets, etc. gregg

07-06-2024, 11:18 AM	#23
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,040	Re: 37 tranny replacement Since the guts of your current transmission are bad it makes sense to swap in later parts, if cost effective. You would need to install a 91A shift fork in your existing shift top if you go with a later gear set. As others have said the Van Pelt book is very good, and I second the suggestion to get one. Rebuilding a transmission is doable if you have the physical strength and dexterity, and rewarding when done. Here is a link to the advertisement offering fabricated shift forks, maybe these are still available? https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328829