1949 trans need help with id

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Jun 2, 2015 | 07:57 PM

garyford96

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1949 trans need help with id

I am going to apologize ahead of time for this last minute thread and will figure out how to use this forum more efficiently (promise) but I need to make a buy decision on a transmission with a 239 V8 tomorrow. There might be a chance that the transmission is a four speed. Is this combination possible. I currently have a 3 speed in my 1950 239 V8. What numbers are on the casing? (Again I apologize for not researching on here ahead of this thread). Please help me with links or info???
Gary

Jun 2, 2015 | 08:10 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

The easiest way to tell if it's a 4-sp is to count the bumps in the top lid near the shifter. The 4-sp will have 3 bumps running front to back, the 3-sp has 2. End view of the 4-sp

Jun 2, 2015 | 08:34 PM

garyford96

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Thanks Ross. If I have the opportunity to go from 3 to 4 should I crate the original and move to the 4? It seems that would be a way to improve speed control. Would I need to visit the rear end to upgrade? Or is the differential going to be okay?

Jun 2, 2015 | 08:38 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

The only 4-sp that was in F-1's back then was a totally non-synchro'd spur gear trans. Not real desirable. See here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ic-lights.html

Stick with the three sp. The 4-sp's 1st gear is very steep, not normally used on the street.

Jun 2, 2015 | 09:01 PM

garyford96

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That is good to know. I am guessing this was a farm truck and the owner is ridding it. The whole drive train is for sale. I needed body parts but they are off limits. I am crushed to hear the truck is being modded when it is a good candidate for original. Just my two cents.

Jun 2, 2015 | 09:21 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

If the donor truck is bigger than an F-1, the trans may not have the correct "foot" on the rear bearing retainer to mount in your truck. Is your 3-sp a HD or light duty? Why are you replacing it?