Can I install a 32 shifter to 39 top loader ?

[solidaxle]

What I have read is the shiftier housing tower bolts on but the forks are different. I can I change the forks? Are there other problems?

Thanks Rich

[rotorwrench]

The angle back shift tower is set up for forks that fit into different dimensional locations due to the type of gear set and synchronizer used in the real early V8 transmissions. They will only work with the original gear arrangement.

[Charlie Stephens]

Everyone I asked said no and I believe them. I used the '39 shifter. I cut off the top end to shorten it and bent it to match the curve in the '32 instruction manual (note there are early and late curves). You will need to make or buy a bracket to mount the emergency brake handle.

Charlie Stephens

[deuce_roadster]

If you just want the 32 lever, the easiest way is to cut and weld the bottom of a 39 shifter lever onto a 32 lever. The difference in tower angle isn't a huge deal ( I have a 39 trans in both of my 32s) and you can make a bracket for the E brake handle. If you compare the bottom of a 32 lever below the pivot with a 39 you will see why you can't just switch the levers.

[Andy]

It would be interesting to see if a 39 shift lever could be modified to use in a 32 tower.
It really is not a good idea even if it would work. The 39 double detent top has a interlock so it is impossible to get in two gears at once.
I was coming up a steep drive and when shifting the trans, it locked up in first and second. This was with a 37 shift housing with a 3" fork swapped in. It stripped the cluster and the 1-R slider Lincoln gears. I switched to an 81A housing(39).

[Jason in TX]

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Mac Vanpelt, the Transmission guru says No.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ed-shifter.htm

An early fork could be ground larger to fit the 3" shifter ring, but it is positioned too far forward.

From his site:

The 40-7222 shifter housing (known as the "slanted" tower) pictured below was used from 1933 through 1935 models. The B-7222 housing (1932 only) looked the same but had two mounting bosses on the right hand side for the parking brake handle mount. Not only does the slanted tower use a smaller 40-7230 shifter fork, but it also uses the smaller shifter levers. Although it will bolt on to any 1932-52 toploader gearbox case, it can NOT be used with the 1939 and later gear sets with the late style synchronizers. This housing is the single detent type, using the same detent spring and plungers as the 68-7222 housing.

The earlier transmissions used a smaller fork that measured about 2¾" across. The earlier fork extended down from the housing in a plane a bit forward of the 91A fork. This was to accommodate the early synchro sleeve, which had the shifter fork groove in the middle. The 91A fork was offset to the rear slightly, which allows it to fit properly into the late style synchro with its fork groove at the back edge. Beware of "modifications" to an early style fork (ie: grinding down the inside edges of the fork to allow the 3" spacing. This would allow the fork to fit the late style synchro sleeve, but it would be positioned too far forward for proper shifting.

[JM 35 Sedan]

There have been attempts in the past to make new forks that will fit the early 33-35 slantback towers and work with the later gears. These forks fit the wider 39 collar and compensate for the different slot location between the early vs later collars. Some of these attempts failed, but a fellow Fordbarner, who wishes to remain anonymous, has come up with his own design that works. He has two early Fords that have these forks installed in the 33-35 towers, with '39-'48 gear sets in early cases. I believe these cars were modified this way years ago, and have been driven many miles since then.
He also made a set of these forks for me to try out in one of my '35's after I switch my original trans gears over to '39-'48 gears. This has not happened yet, but I am hoping to do this before the end of this year. If it works well for me, I will let folks here know.

[Jason in TX]

I'd be interested in a set of these forks that would work with the later gear set. JM 35 Sedan, if your source would make an exception for an unusual case, that would be great!

I've got an early accessory locking shift tower and I would like to use Zephyer 26 tooth gears and later synchro.

[Ian NZ]

I have fitted the later model 1946- 1948 gear set into my 1932 gearbox housing and I have also fitted the 1932 slant back gearbox top onto this gearbox, I have altered the forks to fit the top, and it all looks original and works very well.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Jason in TX

I'd be interested in a set of these forks that would work with the later gear set. JM 35 Sedan, if your source would make an exception for an unusual case, that would be great!

I've got an early accessory locking shift tower and I would like to use Zephyer 26 tooth gears and later synchro.

Jason, that's a very cool accessory. I have heard about those, and probably saw one in the past. Would you please post the info here that appears on that nameplate. I can't make out the details on that nameplate even when highly magnified.

I could contact the FB member who made these special forks, and ask him if he would be willing to make a set for you. Or maybe he will read this post, and contact you directly.

[Terry,OH]

It looks very much like a Decker lock.

[solidaxle]

Originally Posted by Ian NZ

I have fitted the later model 1946- 1948 gear set into my 1932 gearbox housing and I have also fitted the 1932 slant back gearbox top onto this gearbox, I have altered the forks to fit the top, and it all looks original and works very well.

How much of an effort is this? Any special machining? Do you have a lot of miles on this conversion?