37 tranny replacement
 

Hello, my 37 Fordor has a bad tranny and needs to be replaced. I have never done this before.
Question1: can I somehow replace the tranny without moving the rear end? I read somewhere that the rear end needs to be disconnected so that it can be lowered and pulled back enough to remove the driveline, etc. That all makes send but I don't have the means to easily do this, so am asking for any work arounds.

Question 2: I bought a replacement tranny but after removing the top end it looks slightly different from the original in the car now. Please see two pics attached. First one is the one that is installed. Second one is the one I bought, which is supposed to be from a 37.

Thanks so much,
gregg

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1719454417

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1719454417

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Thanks Pete. Sorry that I have the two photos reversed in directions.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

The pic of the cleaner one has straight cut gears so its 35 and earlier. Since you are going thru all that trouble put in a 39 trans complete with the shift tower. You might have to use a 39 clutch arm also.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

deuce lover has given excellent advice. ‘39 is the way to go. You won’t be sorry.
There are two ways to remove the tranny: Pull the engine or drop the differential. The latter is the easiest way to go. A 15 year old kid can do the job with a set of jackstands and a beginner set of tools. Ask me how I know.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Thanks to both of you. Very good info.
I will look into the 39 tranny and see if I can get my grandson to help me!
gregg

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

39 up trans and double detent top can be $$$ now. Newc

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

The 78 case is the same and likely the cluster gear as well for a 91A type transmission on the unit currently in the car. The all helical 37 transmission is a better unit than the early one with straight cut low gear and the straight splined main shaft. A person would need the parts to make up a 91A type set up.

VanPelt Sales is a good place to get parts to overhaul or upgrade. His early Ford transmission manual is a must if looking for parts for upgrade. I don't think the 1937 version had the double detent shift tower yet but a single detent will work. The best way to update is find a good side shift or top shift transmission that already has the needed gears and synchroniser to do the conversion. The top shift 91A high gear fork is necessary as well.

Jack and support the rear frame high enough to move the rear drive back. The radius rods have to clear so the support will need to accommodate that. The shocks and the rear spring will need to be disconnected along with the speedometer cable and any brake cable connections. As was mentioned, the engine can be removed but it may be a bit more complicated.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

super helpful, thanks!

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

If you order Mac Van Pelt's manual there are step by step instructions for the removal of the transmission. An extremely dedicated manual.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

There’s a 39 tranny for sale on the swap side of the Barn. Listed this morning. $950.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Oops….$975

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Thanks guys!

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

'39 Tranny is the way to go. The earlier with straight gears howl like a fat cat. I

rebuilt using Van Pelt's book and parts. Van Pelt is super to deal with.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Yes, 39 transmission is way to go. As previously stated, you will need a 39 clutch lever. Since you have the transmission out now is the time to go through it. Bearings, synchro's, thrust pad, etc. Also I recommend cutting "O" ring groves in the case and using a modern oil like Redline MT 90. You will have a supper smooth shifting transmission that will not leak.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1719679895

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1719679895

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

If you are using a 39 transmission in a 37 model car the clutch arm will have to be changed to a 37 model also. In early Fords the clutch arm must be the same year as the model year of the chassis.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Unless, of course, if the vehicle now has a 39 pedal assembly cuz he went to hydraulic brakes. Stick with the 35-38 arm if it’s still running the mechanic brakes. The pedal assembly will determine the clutch arm.

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

look for a 41 to 48 trans much cheaper take the gears out & put them in your case you will have to get the larger shift fork van pelts sells. 950 for a 39 trans if you can afford it is ezer. this hobby is getting cost prohibitive. either way its pain in the ass to change there is a 48 on ebay for 100,00

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

I did mine in March, the trans did not last long before it started popping out of first and not wanting to go into third. Bought a new/rebuilt '39 from Mac VanPelt and will be installing it in the next month or two. I know this one will hold up.

We dropped the rear diff. It was a bit of work but not that bad overall. I have juice brakes and did not have to disconnect the lines. The diff only needed to be moved back about 5 inches or so. The hardest part was breaking the torque tube loose from the trans. Ended up using a come-along attached to the diff of my '38 and then to my daily driver.

Best of luck! You will learn alot. ~Pat

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

If your existing transmission case is not damaged it is a good candidate to swap in a later gear set. As others have mentioned the gear set from the side shift transmissions can swap into your 37 case. You will need the 39-50 top shift 2-3 shift fork. Someone was fabricating these by cutting and welding commonly available.


However, there is nothing really wrong with the 32-38 transmissions. The synchronizer shifts slower than the 39 and later one, but does work. What is wrong with the existing transmission? Have you considered rebuilding the one you have with new bearings and synchronizer parts?

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Thanks for the good info.
My existing tranny has several gear teeth chipped off, to the point of it not being able to shift thru the gears when I drive it. I plan to remove the tranny next week and take it apart to see if things can be replaced. Not sure how complicated that will be. Also, not sure if I will be able to find replacement parts, gaskets, etc.
gregg

Re: 37 tranny replacement
 

Since the guts of your current transmission are bad it makes sense to swap in later parts, if cost effective. You would need to install a 91A shift fork in your existing shift top if you go with a later gear set. As others have said the Van Pelt book is very good, and I second the suggestion to get one. Rebuilding a transmission is doable if you have the physical strength and dexterity, and rewarding when done. Here is a link to the advertisement offering fabricated shift forks, maybe these are still available? https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328829