1941 transmission oil/fluid- greases

[BetsyFord]

Hi. What is used in a 3 speed 41 v8 85 hp as to transmission fluid for Super Deluxe car? My original ford manual cites things by Ford pt number starting with “M-“. I guess that nobody makes it but what is the best viscosity, type, mfr?

The manual also states that there is a rearend grease?
It states for some fluids the front type differs from the back types.

And can one buy or rebuild shock absorbers?

[corvette8n]

I think it was 600wt oil, you can use GL-1. As for shocks Andy rebuilt all 4 on my ‘41 reasonably priced, fast turnaround, answers texts.

Andrew Falandes
789 Tea St.
Charlemont, MA. 01339

(413)768-8487

mailto:[email protected]

[Terry,OH]

Don't use 600W in any part of your car. Ford Spec for the transmission is Mild Extreme pressure gear oil SAE 90 summer and SAE 80 winter. GL-4 is often suggested here because it does not react with brass.
The rear end takes SAE 140 summer, SAE 80 winter,
and the steering box is SAE 90 for all seasons.
The M- numbers are Ford part numbers for the various above gear oils.

Yes Andy does rebuild shocks using your cores. Make sure your cores are correct for your car.

[Fritz]

I also recommend Andy for shocks.

As for gear oil, Sta-Lube 85-90 GL-4. You can order it from NAPA. I used it in the diff also. My trans is much smoother and runs so much better than with the 85-140 GL-5 that said it was ok for GL-4 ratings. I don’t believe that since the difference was so drastic in how the transmission functions now.

[rotorwrench]

85/140 is for extremely hot conditions. The old Ford light duty 3-speeds were all set up with several phosphor bronze type bushings and a nice soft thrust washer for the counter shaft cluster. These are sensitive to the high EP that has a mild acidic quality to it. The GL4 only has a small amount of EP additive. A transmission can use a high viscosity motor oil such as SAE-50 but a person has to go to a Harley Davidson shop or the local FBO at an airport to get it. The GL4 is likely a tad bit less expensive anyway. I use the SAE-50 motor oil in my Mercury overdrive transmissions. The rear axle can use GL5 if a person wants. It has no soft metals in there.

[BetsyFord]

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Originally Posted by corvette8n

I think it was 600wt oil, you can use GL-1. As for shocks Andy rebuilt all 4 on my ‘41 reasonably priced, fast turnaround, answers texts.

Andrew Falandes
789 Tea St.
Charlemont, MA. 01339

(413)768-8487

mailto:[email protected]

ThNKS A LOT!

[BetsyFord]

Much appreciated.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

85/140 is for extremely hot conditions. The old Ford light duty 3-speeds were all set up with several phosphor bronze type bushings and a nice soft thrust washer for the counter shaft cluster. These are sensitive to the high EP that has a mild acidic quality to it. The GL4 only has a small amount of EP additive. A transmission can use a high viscosity motor oil such as SAE-50 but a person has to go to a Harley Davidson shop or the local FBO at an airport to get it. The GL4 is likely a tad bit less expensive anyway. I use the SAE-50 motor oil in my Mercury overdrive transmissions. The rear axle can use GL5 if a person wants. It has no soft metals in there.

I’m thankful it doesn’t seem my trans was damaged from the 85-140 GL5. It was all I could find in any stores 10 years ago. Parts websites have come a long way in helping find the right parts/lubricants.