transmission question & vin location ?

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Mar 10, 2006 | 09:44 PM

woodford

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transmission question & vin location ?

Here's a couple of more questions from the truck in the woods guy. From your help the other day I think I've been able to narrow it down to either a 46 or 47 one ton flatbed. Now I have a couple of more easy questions.
#1. Tried to find the vin # today but unable to locate anything. looked inside the glove box lid and on top of the frame-driver's side next to the engine and couldn't find anything - am I looking in the right place or where else could it be?

#2. Easy one - I noticed on the gearshift that comes up out of the floor that right under the gearshift **** there is a small lever connected to a long rod going down into the transmission. What in the heck is it?

Thanks again in advance! Woodford

Mar 11, 2006 | 12:22 AM

mtflat

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From: Kalispell, MT

1. The stamping can be on either frame rail. They usually are a shallow stamp and can be hard to see. Helps to hold a light at a slight angle along the rail.

Is the original transmission in the truck? IF so, check the bellhousing area where it bolts to the block for the vin/serial number. You're looking for a number something like 799C-123456

2. Couple of possibilities: Either a lever for an OD unit on the back of the transmission or a lever for a two speed rear end, but I thot they only used the split axle on larger trucks - 1.5 ton and up..... I'm curious to know what you find out.

Mar 11, 2006 | 12:56 AM

woodford

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thanks for the information - knew someone would come through. so had an overdrive on the 46/47 models?

Mar 11, 2006 | 05:50 AM

46achers

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From: Slippery Rock, Pa.

Sounds like a lever for a two speed rear end. The Vin , 46/7 trucks ,should be on top of the frame rail, drivers side, near the steering box. Like mtflat says..these are very shallow stampings plus forty years or so of rust and dirt and they are VERY hard to find.
Dave

Mar 11, 2006 | 09:53 AM

woodford

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thanks Dave - I'll put a wire brush on the end of my drill and do some more work.

Mar 11, 2006 | 11:51 AM

46fordtruck

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From: Orange County, CA

That thing under the gearshift **** is the reverse lock out, not for a two speed rear. You have to push that to get the truck into reverse. I had another '47 1 ton (flatbed) years ago that had that very same little lever. And this is something that's interesting. The '46/'47 4 speed box (like yours) was supposed to have an internal release, you apply downward pressure while shifting into reverse. The earlier trans used the little lever on the side. So it is possible that the shifter assembly might have been replaced at a later time. The first '47 1 ton that I had still had the original trans (verified by VIN) but had that lever, but my current '47 1 ton does not.

Everybody is right about the framerail, about steering box area to area over the axle. It'll be a shallow stamped number, beginning and ending with a star. The star isn't part of the actual VIN number, just a way to prevent somebody adding numerals to the VIN number.

Being a 1 ton your VIN number will start for 1946 699Y (if it's a V8) or 1GY (if it's a 6) if it's a '47 then 799Y (if it's a V8) or 71GY (if it's a 6 cylinder) and have either 6 or 7 numbers following.

Last edited by 46fordtruck; Mar 11, 2006 at 12:03 PM.

Mar 11, 2006 | 01:30 PM

woodford

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Gary - thanks again for all the information you gave. Will probably get the truck out of the woods next week and close to the shop where I can be close to the tools and electricity. Looks like it will be a cool truck to have fixed up. Also starting to work on a 54 Chev (probably shouldn't mention it on this website) cab over engine that has almost no rust on it. Actually drove it home five years ago and ran great. May be getting too many projects going on here at one time for my billfold. Again, many thanks. Dick