Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Looking for a transmission. Was told 32-39 trans are similar. How do I tell it's a 39 and not an earlier one . From what I read case is the same ??

Thanks

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

the serial number stamped on the case will identify the year made.

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

You have to look inside, the serial number will show what years the case was originally used for, but the inside gears can still be most any year

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

first you are looking for a 37 up case with the number 78-xxxx embossed in the rear of the case. second pull the top cover off and the 2/3 gear shift fork will measure 3" thus the trans will have the best synchronizer. third the serial number stamped into the top of the case will tell you the year

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Some '39 transmissions used the older synchronizer and gears. You can not use only the serial number to determine if a '39 transmission has the later gears. The only sure way is to remove the top and look inside.

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Paul, check with Mark Van Pelt here on the Ford Barn. Get his book. He is the GURU of early Ford transmissions.

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Yes I'm getting his book Was just recommended to me last week

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Take the shift tower off, and look at the syncro where the shift forks enter. If its in the middle, like a sliced bagel, its the old style, and if the fork goes in way off center its the 39 & up gearset.

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

Also, it should be mentioned here that if you have the "78" case, and he proper shift fork, later side shift gears will fit right in. You don't need '39 gears. It makes the parts situation a bit easier.

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

So, as the tubman is saying, the gear set is the SAME from some 1939s thru 1948. Lots of '40-'48 transmissions still out there for parts. DD

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

where are you located?

Re: Identifying a 39 Tranny
 

This link will fill you in for most of the details:

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...sID_3speed.htm