I have a ”˜46 coupe with a transmission date code ”˜42. It hasn’t the vacuum shift, It wasn’t on the car when purchased. It has a 1961 235 in it.The car now has headers and modifications to the shift levers on the column and rods was necessary for clearances. The car wasn’t operational beforehand and once I quietend the exhaust I could hear a low roar coming from the transmission when I let off the throttle and let the transmission slow the car down. Suggestions on the possible causes. It already ate the speedometer driven gear which is no longer in it, and I installed an “Oakie” bushing. The remains of the gear have been flushed out.
Gene, I do believe that you may be right. After a closer inspection, it appears that the U-joint may have been dragging on the rear of the ball of the torque ball. Is there any reason that I couldn’t use a torque ball and U-joint from a ”˜54 automatic transmission car? I happen to have them handy. I see that the torque ball is a little shorter from the newer model, but I don’t see that it should be a problem. Certainly a better design. Also, how far should the “Oakie” bushing be recessed in the torque tube? As of now its flush.
I opened up the transmission and flushed out the metal shavings and trash from the munched gear, refilled it with Travellers 90W and a little Lucas. Also used a different U-joint and torque ball. After reassembly I poured the oil in the side before replacing the side cover, then rotated the transmission before reinstalling it. Then a complete refill.Short story, it didn’t help. A spin around the block and the sounds are not pleasant when letting out of the throttle. On top of that, now it has a stumble when trying to accelerate. That could be bad gas. I had a similar problem with my Ranger with the same gas. Back to the drawing board. It would be easier if I wasn’t working with caveman tools!????
While I am sorry to hear the results of your efforts, it does not surprise me. Plus you now have better knowledge of what has happened and the problems.
If there were metal filings I expect that there is wear and damage in lots of other area. Those metal particles were Boeing splashed around with the gear oil. They got between all the gear teeth and into all the bearings.
One solution is to reach out to VCCA members and find another transmission.
The stumble on acceleration could be multiple issues. I would not worry about fixing that until you have a good transmission. If you fix it now and it takes 6 months to find a transmission the fuel will be bad again. So you will get it fix that twice.
Rusty 37, I am going to pull the transmission again. I have a lead on a top loader three speed from a ”˜38 or ”˜39. This is more in line with what I want to accomplish. I hate the column shift without vacuum. I have a hard time getting it into first or reverse anyway. I’m trying to create something that a poor boy hotrodder may have put together in the fifties with a six cylinder on a budget. I won’t be hotrodding the vehicle, I know this transmission won’t handle that kind of treatment, but want the setup.
I was told that a three speed transmission out of a half ton Chevrolet truck from ”˜40-”˜47 is an easy swap. Unfortunately I have all but given up on finding one. Apparently they were tossed into the scrap heap when the trucks were hotrodded. I really don’t want to keep this type of transmission. I think the vacuum shift style is junk, even after a few drives in a ”˜40. I know there are those who would argue.
The only transmission that will fit is a 1941-1948 passenger car. Trucks ae a different length.. A 1940 wiil fit as long as you are not using the vacuum shift.
How much out of a ”˜50 passenger car transmission can be used to repair this transmission? I have a spare. I know the main shaft and shift mechanism won’t work, but what about gears and synchronizer?
Hasn’t anyone any knowledge on how much an Oakie bushing should be recessed into the torque tube? Or how much of the ”˜49-”˜50 transmission can be used for repair of the ”˜41-”˜48 transmission? Gears?
Agree with Gene above. Years ago I cannibalized a 52 Chev transmission for my '40. I only used the clutch shaft and and 1st gear and they fit perfectly or at least good enough that they are still installed after 30 some years.
That’s good to know. How about the compatibility of internals from a 1/2 ton truck three speed transmission of the same (”˜48-”˜54) era? I’m reluctant to scavenge from the ”˜49-”˜50 tranny because I have a ”˜50 Chevy that it originally came from, and if something happened to the one in the car I would have a bolt in replacement. I have no use for the one from a truck.
