1939 transmission agin

[Patrick L.]

I didn't want to hi-jack Richards thread, but, have more questions. Is there any more required than in his posts ? Which transmissions will work[from what years to '39] ? It is my understanding that a different u-joint cover is needed, is this correct ? Does this put the shift lever in a different location ? I ask wishing to know whether to go this route or a Mitchell or to stay with the original. I'd like to speed up 1st and 2nd gear, but, we know the cost of the Mitchells and I don't know if the later transmissions do this.

[SLPreston53]

I had a '39 with adapter in my 29 Tudor. I believe you do need a later u-joint cover. The shift lever is in the stock location and I believe the ratios are the same as stock, you just get synchro in 2nd and 3rd. So, a '39 does not "speed up" the gear ratios, at least not much.

[Art Bjornestad]

If you use a '39 tranny, do not cut off the motor mount ears. Makes them useless if one wants to use them for anything else.

[Benson]

gear ratios:

Model A 1st 3.11
2nd 1.85
3rd 1 to 1

V8 - B - Trucks mostly
29 tooth cluster
1st 3.12
2nd 1.70
3rd 1 to 1

V8 - B
28 tooth cluster
2.82
1.60
1 to 1

Lincoln/ Zephyr

two clusters with taller gears than either V8

25 and 26 tooth clusters as I remember

[Benson]

There are at least 3 different syncro systems, two major changes to the shifter forks and towers and different gear types (straight cut vs Helical) in the different years. While gear sets fit the cases the individual gears do not interchange through out the years. Gears and other parts must match each other.

Mac's book explains all of this in detail.

Best to buy Mac Van Pelt's book so you get the correct parts:
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...itelinkspg.htm

[jkeesey]

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Why doesn't the u joint cover fit? I just installed one last week.

[Bob C]

The A cover has six bolts and the later cover has four bolts.

Bob

[jkeesey]

Yeah it does, drill the a holes a little larger an tilt it sideways and BAM it fits like a glove.

[columbiA]

Easiest way to speed up the gears is to change the rear end ratio.If you dont have a lot of mountain driving,then going from a 3.78 to a 3.54 or even a 3.27 ratio would help-depending on wether its a roadster or heavier 4-door etc.For me,I would lose a lot of the charm of driving an A if I installed a synchro trans.I do love the overdrives in my A,s & 2nd OD is great on steep hills.

[Patrick L.]

Thanks, lot of good info. My main concern was speeding up 1st and 2nd a bit. The syncro was secondary and thought comparing changing to a later Ford transmitter vs a Mitchell would be a good thing to do. It appears installing the Ford unit is about half the cost of a Mitchell and as I remember the Mitchell is chinese. The vehicle is a roadster and I'm thinking of installing a 3:54 ring/pinion. What the heck, its only time and money.

[Jim Brierley]

I used an A U-joint cover on my pickup and had to make special nuts, 7/16" thread with 9/16" hex. This was needed to get a socket on the nuts. It is easier to use the V8 cover as it fits better. BTW, all A covers are not the same either.

[jkeesey]

Jim I used the original Ford bolts and ground away part of new nuts that fit the thread. the nuts I used were very large requiring a 3/4 wrench to hold them when tightening. The only reason i didnt use a v8 cover was because i didnt have one.