Supervisor has an old tandem axle truck w/log loader on it that he's scrapping. It appears to be an L series, but instead of L8000 (or similar) on the sides of the hood, it say FORD with what appears the number below that which is missing. Kinda like the 60's pickups. Anyway, it has a 4bbl 391FT w/1976 decal(rebuilt) that I'm looking to get. Behind it is a manual trans, but not sure if it's a 4 or 5 speed, as I couldn't move the shifter with all the crap in the cab in the way. Anyone know what this likely is? It doesn't look like your standard NP435 or T18. I could move it left up and down, center up and down, right up, but not down with the stuff in the way. So I can't say it'll even go there. Off of the trans is a PTO on the driver side, and same flat cover on the pass. side. Top has 16 bolts on the perimeter. It goes back to another trans midway of the frame. So assuming this truck is 1976 or so, would it likely be a 4x4 or 5x4 trans set-up?

 

I had one of those and quite common it would be a 5sp Spicer. If you
do manage to get inside the way of telling is first will be toward the
steering wheel and down to the seat and reverse is toward the steering
wheel and up to the dash and then the normal 2-3-4-5. Most likly its
got a hydralic clutch. Also what ever you do, grab that 391.
sam

 

Kind of like this LN-600:

 

Looks like that, yep.

 

if it's tandem it's most likely an L-800 with 5X4

 

Thanks! I assume the 5 speed still is a direct drive 1:1 in 5th? Are the low gears synchro?

 

It is possible to be O/D in either or both boxes.Low gears in main and all in aux are non syncro

 

Sounds like I have to take the fiberglass hood too. Anyone want it?

 

Thats a good looking Ford.

 

if there's any overdrive, it will be in the auxiliary box, which is the one by itself. If you can, get underneath and see if you can find any tags on it. That box can have any combination of ratios.

 

Not necessarily true.The way he describe the shift pattern it's a 4 speed unless he missed a gate then it would be O/D in 5th

 

The owner started to tear it down, so hopefully soon I'll get it and then we can dig into it better.

 

I got it home, and it is a 5 sp. Two little screws on the P-side, where a tag could have been? (no tag) Numbers on the top are: 23384-1 P-side below tag area: 280780 (some digits are hard to understand) back: Fomoco (on output shaft cover) D-side has the casting protruding out for the PTO. Still trying to figure out if it has OD or not.

I'm guessing it's a 280 series Clark, but without the tag, is there a way to know without tearing it all apart?

 

Post the VIN and the TRANS code, both can be found on the Warranty Plate.

The first 3 digits of the VIN will ID the truck as to what model and series it is.

ID tags on transmissions (rear axles, carburetors) are usually missing by now. People removed the tags when they worked on the vehicles, most never re-installed them.

 

Sadly, the truck is long gone to the scrap yard.