My 1960 Ford F-100 has the original, never been apart, 292 with a three-speed column shift transmission. I have noticed, when at low speeds shifting from 2nd back into 1st gear, the gears will grind unless it's done at a full stop. I know modern cars have a 1st gear lockout which will not allow you to shift into 1st unless the vehicle is nearly or completely stopped. Is this a Ford design lockout, or are my 1st gear synchros shot? Other than 2nd to 1st gear shifts, the transmission shifts perfectly, without any noise or trouble, and has never been rebuilt. With the 3.92 rear end gears, it's not often I have to go from 2nd to 1st (usually in stop/go traffic), but it does have me concerned whether I should rebuilt the transmission.

 

That old transmission does not have a synchronized first gear. I know that the car transmissions came out with synchro-first gear in '64, because I can remember it being advertised as a three-and-a-half speed transmission. Not sure about the year for the trucks.

Johnny

 

My James K. Wagner book, FORD TRUCKS SINCE 1905 says that 1963 was the first year for a 3 speed fully syncro transmission in Ford turcks.

 

That explains the issue. I'm sure glad it was a design issue rather than something which requires a rebuild. In hopes of keeping the original transmission with the truck, is there any type of conversion kit or way to install a 1st gear synchro in my transmission when I do eventually rebuild it? It's not much of a problem, but I would like to be able to shift from 2nd to 1st without damaging the gears.

 

Have you tried double-clutching during the downshift? Might be all it needs...