1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Drove my 1948 Ford coupe today about 45 miles and it popped out of second gear coming down a steep grade (mountain). Went back into gear easily and stayed there. Later in the day it did it again but also went back into gear easily and stayed there. Anything external that should be checked or adjusted?

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

My 47 does the same thing. I'm looking forward to responses. I expect all suggestions will require removing and dismantling the transmission so I won't be doing that but I'm still curious what anyone has to say about it.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Easy check is to make sure the shifter linkage is adjusted properly. While you're at it look at the four bushings (2 for each rod) for looseness and wear. Make adjustments. Fix the loose bushings.

If the trans is still popping out of second gear, you'll have to get the trans out and go through it. All of the possible problems would require opening it up and tearing it down. The primary problem will be excessive endplay with either the input shaft or the output shaft, or both. This is controlled by the snap rings on the ball bearings. Too much endplay of second gear on the mainshaft. Worn synchro teeth on second gear. Worn splines inside the synchro slider. Excessive wear on the shifter lever and the second/high shift fork.

All these things are part of a comprehensive rebuild. You might choose to deal with the issue during the driving season for now, and put the job on the back burner (i.e. winter time).

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Stockcars had a hook welded to part of the roll cage to hold transmission in gear.
Most of the race was in second gear.
Bruce

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Very true statement.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Hi Mac, How is the shifter linkage adjusted ?

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Disconnect the linkages from the transmission. If not already set in neutral, hand feel that both transmission shift arms are in mid position. Insure that the column shift is set in neutral and see if the linkage will align with the arm. If not adjust for alignment. You can check for alignment in the other positions but if it's not right in neutral it won't be right in all the gear positions. The rear arm is low & reverse and the front arm is 2nd & high. While your at it, check for slop, worn shifter mechanisms, or worn bushings.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Back in the day when we didn't have the knowledge we have now (stupid factor was hi). WE found that the cases stretched some, so we thought. y installing the pilot and tail shaft in a lathe we could measure between the snap rings and then, skin alittle off the rear of the case. This usually fixed it. Never thought of maybe the syncros were warn. Soetimes you pay allot for an education

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Thank you for the information. RR

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Mac, the shifter bushings are in the 01A- 7354 RK kit? I drove it this morning and it didn't do it again but the shift linkage bushings (grommets) look like they are the originals and could stand to be replaced.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

I always thought that it was the nature of helical gears in the transmission to disengage if the torque was coming from the output shaft and resistance was provided by the engine as in going downhill.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Yes, the 01A kit is the correct one. MGG is correct that the helical gears want to push apart under deceleration. This movement has to be tightly controlled or the trans will pop out of gear.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

That was my thinking too. So, what do you mean by "tightly controlled" to keep it from popping out of gear, Mac?

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

I'm thinking properly adjusted linkage, with no slop in the linkage or bushings.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

My reference to "tightly controlled " means the endplay issues inside the trans. We work with correct thicknesses on the snap rings and any spacing/shim/thrust washers to eliminate any excess clearances in the gearset.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

just when you think you have the trans fixed it will pop out again

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

A person can only get the transmission internal parts clearances back to OEM specs. If every part in there is set up with proper clearances, it should stay in gear. If it still pops out then you have to look for flatter roads or use a different gear for engine braking.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

Back when I learned to drive in a 1950 Ford sedan, it became second nature for me to place my hand on the gearshift lever (column) when going down hill to be sure it did not pop out of gear. I did this until I began driving automatics in the 1960s.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

I drove a Chevy pickup so I had to keep my hand on it anytime I let off the gas.

Re: 1948 Ford pops out of 2nd gear
 

These cases do stretch alittle after 60 years of use.