81A-7222 shifter housing detent balls and springs

[21stud]

I'm putting together toploader transmission and last part is shifter tower.

I have 2 different detent spring/ball kits, purchased from different suppliers some time ago. Both kit have smaller balls and other is also with smaller springs.

I remember one supplier said these are better than originals, they don't have original size.

Ford size is 7/16, next is 3/8 and 5/16

I just don't see any reason for these so called upgrades?

result will be sloppy at least?

maybe if you want sleeve that detent bore for these??

opinions please?

[deuce_roadster]

Sounds like a question for VanPelt. Did you change shafts and or forks? If so, does the machined place for the ball to land on the shaft different size then what came out?
I have a couple of those 81- shift tops I bought a very long time ago when I didn't know the difference between them and 91- tops because they both had detents on both sides.

[21stud]

I'm using same shafts and forks, good condition. So there is different shifter top, 91? and shafts? I didn't know that?

[Fred A]

Do you believe everything you're told? John Cosper (Hot Rod John) sold a strong ball/spring set that he claimed was better. "Good Luck With That" Sponge Bob.

Fred A

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by 21stud

I'm putting together toploader transmission and last part is shifter tower.

I have 2 different detent spring/ball kits, purchased from different suppliers some time ago. Both kit have smaller balls and other is also with smaller springs.

I remember one supplier said these are better than originals, they don't have original size.

Ford size is 7/16, next is 3/8 and 5/16

I just don't see any reason for these so called upgrades?

result will be sloppy at least?

maybe if you want sleeve that detent bore for these??

opinions please?

Check with Michael Driskell @ Third Gen Automotive in McMinnville Tennessee. He will know what you need, and most likely has those items in stock.

[tubman]

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Originally Posted by Fred A

Do you believe everything you're told? John Cosper (Hot Rod John) sold a strong ball/spring set that he claimed was better. "Good Luck With That" Sponge Bob.

Fred A

Is this the guy that posts all of the pictures of weird fabricated 4 carb manifolds that he has never used? The one who posts pictures of his cabriolet on every thread on the H.A.M.B. that has the least thing to do with flatheads?

[Bored&Stroked]

I only run the original stuff . . . see no value in stronger springs.

If your transmission is popping out of 2nd gear, the problem is related to clearances and parts wear. There are plenty of rebuilds that pop out of 2nd (due to these sorts of issues) - and I know of no vendor that will guarantee that his/her transmission WON'T pop out of 2nd.

If you have any questions specific to clearances, parts or rebuild techniques, feel free to DM me.

[svm99]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

I only run the original stuff . . . see no value in stronger springs.

If your transmission is popping out of 2nd gear, the problem is related to clearances and parts wear. There are plenty of rebuilds that pop out of 2nd (due to these sorts of issues) - and I know of no vendor that will guarantee that his/her transmission WON'T pop out of 2nd.

If you have any questions specific to clearances, parts or rebuild techniques, feel free to DM me.

I agree, all the rebuilds I do use original 7/16" dia balls and original springs...................period. Proper clearances, shaft diameters, good pilot bushing/bearing in the flywheel and attention to detail when assembling minimize the chance of the transmission snapping out of second or hard shifting.

Use the original or NOS parts only! good luck Paul J.

[Als48]

You can get bearing balls at any bearing house. You may need to ask for metric size. 7/16" would be about 5 mm.

Al Hook

[deuce_roadster]

21stud, the earlier tops do not work with the better 91-a synchro as the fork is not wide enough. That is why many are looking for 39 (91-A) shifter tops and forks.

[Brian]

7/16" equates to 11 millimetres

[21stud]

Thank you all, good points.

Well, I didn't start this thread for asking what I should do with this shifter tower. It is allready assembled with correct size, good used balls and springs.

I just wanted to show what a man can get when just ordering new balls and springs to 81a shifter. just in case old ones turn out bad.

And I got 2 different sizes, all very wrong

I was wondering if someone actually has used these totally wrong size stuff in their tranny?

deuce_roadster,
I think there is confusion about part types. 81a top is double detent tower.
It could have earlier fork or later 91a 3" fork. I put it together with 3" fork and correct synchro.

afterall, these transmission are very simple to repair.
just watch out what spares you get...

[Talkwrench]

Just assemble the tower and try them for feel . The smaller balls will have heavier springs and they "click" when going in and out of gear. I use them , well a combination I made up. They wont hold up if you have a second gear slipping problem tho'

[21stud]

Originally Posted by Talkwrench

Just assemble the tower and try them for feel . The smaller balls will have heavier springs and they "click" when going in and out of gear. I use them , well a combination I made up. They wont hold up if you have a second gear slipping problem tho'

Wouldn't smaller balls let forks move? 3/8 ball in 7/16 bore?
that's no good...

[rotorwrench]

The main thing would be if the ball fits the coil spring ID, They don't move very much so I can see where a smaller ball might work but whether it works well in another question.