8BA in a 1940 1.5 Ton
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More Turbo
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From: SoCal - Redlands
8BA in a 1940 1.5 Ton
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything with my limited search. That said, what is involved to install a 1953 8BA with 4 speed truck trans in a 1940 ton and a half? Thanks. Tim
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From: Minnesota
I will help get things started here. There are a couple of things that might cause problems.
First, are you planning on running the stock rear end and do you know if it is a torque tube rear? I know the '40 half ton used the torque tube but I am unsure what the bigger trucks used. If so the '53 truck 4 spd trans will not work out well with the torque tube. Its probably possible to make it work, but would require a completely different answer than if you are going to use a more modern open drive rear end.
Second thing I can think of with the '53 trans. About that time Ford changed the way that the clutch fork worked. So the question would be does your '53 have a full bell housing between the engine and trans (or does it have what looks like 2 half bells)? If it has the full bell it likely uses a different clutch pedal setup than the '40.
First, are you planning on running the stock rear end and do you know if it is a torque tube rear? I know the '40 half ton used the torque tube but I am unsure what the bigger trucks used. If so the '53 truck 4 spd trans will not work out well with the torque tube. Its probably possible to make it work, but would require a completely different answer than if you are going to use a more modern open drive rear end.
Second thing I can think of with the '53 trans. About that time Ford changed the way that the clutch fork worked. So the question would be does your '53 have a full bell housing between the engine and trans (or does it have what looks like 2 half bells)? If it has the full bell it likely uses a different clutch pedal setup than the '40.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: SoCal - Redlands
I've got a 1.5 ton so the driveline is open - no torque tube issue. I see what you mean about the bell housing. I haven't actually purchased the engine and tranny but it appears that it has the full bell housing. Sounds like the clutch issue could be a problem. I have seen the 239 in a 1940 big truck but I'm not sure how they solved the clutch issue. Thanks for the info. I might have to rethink the combo depending on the clutch.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Minnesota
The easiest option would be to find a matching ring and starter plate for the engine side and a "hogshead" for the trans side. In about '48 Ford started to sell the "new" style 4spd trans which would later use the full bell. Vanpelts has a good description of both pieces here:
Ford and Mercury Trans Adapters
Basically, in '48 Ford started to use the 8BA style engine in the trucks. They continued to use the old style 3 spd and the 4 spd with the 1/2 bell cast on it. So they created the engine side ring and starter plate to allow this. Since they were still using the old trans, as well as new style, they created the hogshead to make the new one like the old one.
Outside of that, you would want the 8RT style water pumps, they were the ones that Ford used to put the 8BA into the trucks. They are very similar to the ones used on the '40, and should have the same motor mounts. I would believe that the trans mount should work out as well, but I cannot confirm that.
Others should be able to give more info, just hang out some.
Ford and Mercury Trans Adapters
Basically, in '48 Ford started to use the 8BA style engine in the trucks. They continued to use the old style 3 spd and the 4 spd with the 1/2 bell cast on it. So they created the engine side ring and starter plate to allow this. Since they were still using the old trans, as well as new style, they created the hogshead to make the new one like the old one.
Outside of that, you would want the 8RT style water pumps, they were the ones that Ford used to put the 8BA into the trucks. They are very similar to the ones used on the '40, and should have the same motor mounts. I would believe that the trans mount should work out as well, but I cannot confirm that.
Others should be able to give more info, just hang out some.
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