I just got a 72 Bronco with (I think) a "something" Processor tranny, does anyone have experience with how well these types of tranny's normally shift, mine is what I would consider rough.
Thanks!

 

72bronco, by 'something processer' I assume you have a floor mounted 4-speed shifter with a granny non-syncro 1st gear. If true, you have a New Process 435 (a.k.a. NP-435). They shift like rowing a boat, They take a while to get used to as the shift pattern is not as nice or sure as the newer aluminum 5-speed trannies. It is a robust and generaly bullit proof tranny. what is difficult in the shifting? It will never shift as quick as the original 3-speed that came stock. Good luck.
Eric


Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20

 

Thanks for the info Eric, you are correct, it is a NP-435, the engine, tranny, etc... is all new, less than 200mi on them, but the thing acts like the clutch is not dis-engaging when shifting, I have to let the rpm idle down before it will slip into gear without wishing they were rubber, if you know what I mean, and since I don't have any experience with this particular tranny, I can only say it doesn't seem right to me.

By the way, I am an ex-owner of a 76 F-250 Hi-Boy, miss it dearly. I have been away from off roading for the last 21yrs, but I'm back now and looking forward to fun! Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

72bronco, A couple of things to do to check the clutch, on a slight incline (1-2 inches over 6 feet) with the engine OFF put the tranny in gear, then slowly put the clutch peddle to the floor, as you appraoch the floor note when(or if) the truck starts to roll and then as you come up off the floor note when the truck starts to show signs of slowing down. this test will tell you if you clutch is fully disengaging or not. the other test is to start the engine and warm it up so it idles at the normal rpm when you're driving around. with the tranny in nuetral and your foot off the clutch depress the clutch and count off 2 seconds and then put the tranny directly into reverse or 1st. if the clutch is not getting hung up from missalaignment then the gears should be stopped by then so the tranny doesn't clash gears when shifting into either of the the none syncro gears. if it does clash then maybe the pilot bearing is dragging a little whitch wants to keep the input shaft spinning at engine speed. the other source of drag is if the bell housing is out of line. where the tranny bolts up needs to be square and inline with the crank shaft.
Both of my trannies take forever to shift. mainly form the fact that I have a long way to go from 2nd to 3rd gear. up, over, and up again. heck by the time I'm in 3rd gear I have to goose the throttle to get the engine rpm's up again so the clutch can engage smoothly without slowing the truck back down. I hope whoever rebuilt your tranny did a quailty job and replaced any worn syncros. Goodluck.
Eric



Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20

 

Thanks again for the added info, I picked the truck up on Saturday and in thinking about it, decided to double clutch it on the shifts, it works very shoothly doing so. The guy who put this motor together did a heck of a job, the things got all gear driven cams, trick aluminum heads, etc.... I need to check the gearing for ratio, it feels like it's a 4:11 and I am definitely going to need 3:50's or maybe even higher due to the motor, it can lock the rear just letting off the throttle and doesn't hesitate to break it loose hitting it, I am real happy and it's going to be fun! Later!!

 

Did I say shoothly, that's smoothly!!