1939 Ford Transmission #’s

[Randy1944]

I have the numbers off an old transmission but I can’t locate a site to interpret them. Can someone help? Here is what I can read. *3318-258*902*. I also have a pic. Of numbers and trans.

[Charlie Stephens]

The number actually starts with BB18. The BB says it is a heavy commercial and the 18 says it is for a V8 engine. The serial number part looks like 2586902 which was assigned to an engine built in 1941 (see http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm).

Charlie Stephens

[19Fordy]

Those numbers shown refer to VIN # of the vehicle.
I think Mr. Stephens is correct.
It may not be a 1939 Ford transmission.

[marko39]

Looks like a truck tranny, the number you see is the serial number on tranny which would be assigned to vehicle when installed. It should start with 18 if it was for a V8. This number will tell the year produced, check Mac Vanpelts site for this information.BB means large truck I believe.

[marko39]

From the number it's a 1940.

[Randy1944]

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Thanks to everyone for your help. 1940 big truck seems correct. Thanks

[Kube]

Half ton pickup trucks with factory four speed had serial numbers that began with BB. I believe the BB denoted four speed regardless of the truck it was installed in.

[Seth Swoboda]

You're not planning on using that big truck transmission are you?

[Randy1944]

No, I probably will not. I would like to find a backup trans. for my 1939 pickup and put gears in it to be synchronized in 1st, 2nd, and third. They are getting hard to find around here.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Randy1944

No, I probably will not. I would like to find a backup trans. for my 1939 pickup and put gears in it to be synchronized in 1st, 2nd, and third. They are getting hard to find around here.

Fact of the matter is that synchronized 1st gears are hard to find ANYWHERE for the early Ford transmissions. You didn't find synchro'd 1st gears until you get into the '60s. DD

[marko39]

If your truck is a half ton look for a car tranny, the BB Tranny is a boat anchor.

[alanwoodieman]

I have done several of these conversions from 4 speed to 3 speed in trucks 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton. open drivelines require some cross member/trans mount adapter but closed drivelines are easier

[G32]

Originally Posted by marko39

Looks like a truck tranny, the number you see is the serial number on tranny which would be assigned to vehicle when installed. It should start with 18 if it was for a V8. This number will tell the year produced, check Mac Vanpelts site for this information.BB means large truck I believe.

Guys;

SN prefix 18 denotes 221 ci v8 32-42 (81 series 1938-1942) There were also v8s
239 ci & v8 60s in 1940--in trucks--yes v8 60 hp in trucks.


Love these Fords

Gene Tulsa

[Tinker]

If it's a torque tube trans 4 speed, it's a 32-37. BB is large truck, but some were installed in 1/2 tons, on the farm and other options. Warner T8 i believe, have to check. Double clutching fun.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...7truck4spd.jpg


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