The Ford Barn

36Bill · 06-30-2012, 08:08 AM

I have been looking for the 81a top shifter but they are hard to get. Is there a way to upgrade the 36 shifter? Stronger springs or different detents?

Bill

Juergen · 06-30-2012, 08:41 AM

I guess I have to ask why? The big advantage of the 81A top is that the center plug blocks the rails from both being out of neutral so, if not worn out, you can't lock up the trans. But the 81A has just one spring pressing on either of the shift rails.

The 68 has two springs, one in the outer detent and the inner spring between the rails, pressing on the 2nd/high rail. Of course it has only the center spring holding 1st/reverse and you can get the lever to move both rails.

If you shift properly, there should not be a problem. In the old days of drag racing these flatheads, speed shifts with the 68 could cause a lockup problem.

36Bill · 06-30-2012, 10:24 AM

I am not an expert on these, I was told that there was a way to make the 68 hold in 2nd gear better. I have not had lockup problems, I just want to go down hill with out holding the shift in 2nd.

Bill

Kerk · 06-30-2012, 11:12 AM

Bill, Best way to fix is to remove it & rebuild it. There are probably worn parts that need replacing and the end play is no doubt beyond specs. JMHO

36Bill · 06-30-2012, 03:02 PM

Kerk,

Do you mean the shifter or the transmission? The trans is just about done, new cluster, slider, and bearings. If there is no play in the shifter do I just put back on?

Bill

Kerk · 06-30-2012, 07:39 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Bill, I would have to get out a book on them but I am quite sure that the assembly should have omly a few THOUSANDTHS front to back movement checked with a feeler gage.
Others can probably better than I. Hope someone else will jump in and help on this. kc

Charlie ny · 06-30-2012, 08:04 PM

Bill,
I've got a bunch of 81a towers. Looks just like the 'legendary' '39 tower
only with the 2 3/4" 2nd/3rd fork that accepts the early style syncro ring. You
should know that in addition to the double detent feature the 81a tower also
features a dowel pin between the 2 rails that cannot be seen. This, shall we say
hidden element is pretty effective. If you would like to relieve me of one of these
beauties e mail me at [email protected]
Charlie ny

russcc · 06-30-2012, 08:15 PM

Bill I would also check with Mac Van Pelt, I believe has them, and his book is great source of information. Excessive clearance is often the problem with the Ford 3 spd jumping out of 2nd.

06-30-2012, 08:08 AM	#1
36Bill Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 315	36 pickup shifter I have been looking for the 81a top shifter but they are hard to get. Is there a way to upgrade the 36 shifter? Stronger springs or different detents? Bill

06-30-2012, 08:41 AM	#2
Juergen Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 500	Re: 36 pickup shifter I guess I have to ask why? The big advantage of the 81A top is that the center plug blocks the rails from both being out of neutral so, if not worn out, you can't lock up the trans. But the 81A has just one spring pressing on either of the shift rails. The 68 has two springs, one in the outer detent and the inner spring between the rails, pressing on the 2nd/high rail. Of course it has only the center spring holding 1st/reverse and you can get the lever to move both rails. If you shift properly, there should not be a problem. In the old days of drag racing these flatheads, speed shifts with the 68 could cause a lockup problem.

06-30-2012, 10:24 AM	#3
36Bill Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 315	Re: 36 pickup shifter I am not an expert on these, I was told that there was a way to make the 68 hold in 2nd gear better. I have not had lockup problems, I just want to go down hill with out holding the shift in 2nd. Bill

06-30-2012, 11:12 AM	#4
Kerk Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 642	Re: 36 pickup shifter Bill, Best way to fix is to remove it & rebuild it. There are probably worn parts that need replacing and the end play is no doubt beyond specs. JMHO

06-30-2012, 03:02 PM	#5
36Bill Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 315	Re: 36 pickup shifter Kerk, Do you mean the shifter or the transmission? The trans is just about done, new cluster, slider, and bearings. If there is no play in the shifter do I just put back on? Bill

06-30-2012, 07:39 PM	#6
Kerk Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 642	Re: 36 pickup shifter Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Bill, I would have to get out a book on them but I am quite sure that the assembly should have omly a few THOUSANDTHS front to back movement checked with a feeler gage. Others can probably better than I. Hope someone else will jump in and help on this. kc

06-30-2012, 08:04 PM	#7
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: 36 pickup shifter Bill, I've got a bunch of 81a towers. Looks just like the 'legendary' '39 tower only with the 2 3/4" 2nd/3rd fork that accepts the early style syncro ring. You should know that in addition to the double detent feature the 81a tower also features a dowel pin between the 2 rails that cannot be seen. This, shall we say hidden element is pretty effective. If you would like to relieve me of one of these beauties e mail me at [email protected] Charlie ny

06-30-2012, 08:15 PM	#8
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Re: 36 pickup shifter Bill I would also check with Mac Van Pelt, I believe has them, and his book is great source of information. Excessive clearance is often the problem with the Ford 3 spd jumping out of 2nd.