1947 1 ton - 4 speed shifting

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Jun 1, 2012 | 12:10 AM

PeeVee

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1947 1 ton - 4 speed shifting

I've just started driving my truck after putting it together over a period of over 10 years! It's all stock. The g/box was checked out and everything looked fine. But I have difficulty finding third gear, especially when gearing down. It's not so much matching the revs but actually finding the slot where I can engage the gear to avoid the crunch. There seems to be about a 2 in. spread on where I can put the gear lever. I suspect wear in the selector fork assembly. But then, maybe this is just the nature of the beast?

Feedback or comments appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

Jun 1, 2012 | 07:57 AM

newold46

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 1,587

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From: South Carolina

These are straight cut gears and will grind almost no matter what you do. Try double-clutching and see if that helps.

Jun 1, 2012 | 08:10 AM

loholland

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Paris Crossing, Indiana

Its like newold46 said, plus you should as you down shift, rev the engine to match the speed of the truck to ease the gearing together. I remember (because I'm old) driving these old trucks and having to do this, Its an art to learn, and after you do, it will be easy.

Jun 1, 2012 | 10:22 AM

PeeVee

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4 speed shifting

Thanks all for the comments. Yes, I have to double clutch to match revs. when shifting. If I'm lucky, and hit the gate right, the change is very smooth. The problem is hitting the gate accurately. I seem to lose any reference or sense of correct gear lever position when I move the lever through neutral.
Maybe it just takes more practice.

Jun 2, 2012 | 02:07 AM

Steve Christensen

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 197

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From: Brisbane, Australia.

Hey mate, the dowel that locates the ball on the bottom of the gear lever on my 4 speed crash box was very worn, making the lever try to turn rather than just go fore and aft.... I thought one dowel didn't seem adequate, so I drilled the gear lever tower and fitted a second directly opposite..... all good. very positive feeling.
Unscrew the retainer that holds the lever in tower and have a look for wear.
Steve.