Hiya

I have a 1970 Ford F-100 with a 360ci Engine and a New Process 435 4-speed transmission.

A couple of months ago, I started having problems shifting into reverse. Sometimes I would have to let it roll forward and then shift it into reverse. Also, when it was in revearse, it would make a very loud unplesent whining noise (it did not do that before).

It also had problems shifting into first, however I hardly used first since it is non-synchronized and I was able start out in second just fine.

Now, I cannot shift into reverse at all, no matter how much I let the truck roll (even tried shifting into another gear and then trying reverse, no use). And first gear is becomming very hard to shift into (even though I hardly use it, I just thought that it might give me a clue to the revearse problem, since revearse uses first gear).

This is a bit frustrating, as it is a bit embarrising to have to get out and push my truck out of a parking spot (and a bit hard since the truck is a bit heavy, and I am not that strong).

Why would it be doing that. At first I thought that it would be a problem with the reverse-ideler, however why then would first gear be hard to shift into.

And sadly, it is getting worse. Second gear is starting to become harder to shift into and forth gear will not engage as well at normal engine RPMs (I now have to be at a higher speed to shift into forth).

I had a short chance to send a message to the previous owner and I was told that the both the engine and transmission have not been replaced or had any major repears done to them in the past 240,000 miles of the truck.

Any repair shop on my town will not even look at anything this old (geesh, it is only a 1970). And I am not a machinic myself.

So, does it sound like I will need a new transmission?? I have asked if anyplace sells this transmission (New Process 435) and no one in my area seems to have any rebuilt ones in stock, and it cannot be found new.

And if I have to replace the transmission, and cannot find a rebuilt New Process 435, can another transmission be easily fitted?? (I have been told that the Warner T-18 will fit with no modifications).

Thanks for any help.

 

Merry CHristmas and Happy New Year!

Sounds like you need to adjust the clutch a bit at the fork or you need a new clutch disk/throwout bearing.

Here is how I do it, your mileage might vary...

Put the truck in R with the engine off. Even if the clutch does not work, you can slam it into reverse with the engine off, maybe even letting roll slightly while you are doing it.

Block two wheels (driver's side - front axle & back axle), front and back of each wheel.

Adjust the nuts on the clutch rod at least an inch in your case.

Remove the chocks from the wheels.

Get inside, put your foot on the brake, depress the clutch, let off the brake. The truck should roll. If it does not, adjust the rod some more. Just do not go to the end of the rod on the adjustment.