Jr Member Seeking Transmission Advice

[Ted1949B1B]

I recently bought a 1949 B1B with 4-speed non-synchro transmission. After several months of difficulty shifting I replaced the clutch and had the transmission inspected and re-sealed. I have 40 years experience driving trucks with standard transmissions but even with double clutching, I can't downshift this truck. Some local older guys have told me these transmissions will always grind when downshifting; others have said I'll learn if I'm patient. I'm hoping some of the gurus on this forum can help me sort this out - should I be patient and keep trying to learn to downshift or swap this transmission for a 3- or 4-speed synchro of similar vintage? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[tom'sB2B]

try searching the forum for "double clutching" and then its just practice

[pflaming]

A week ago I drove a 60's vintage Ford 3/4 ton and tried to go without clutching. All went well, but it's ALL important that you listen to the engine when down shifting. When up shifting, form 1 -2 or 2-3 the engine's RPM's will naturally slow and if you place the gear in position, it will almost pull the gear in.

Now you are double clutching, double clutchin just spends time so the engine and tranny can get in sinc and every truck is the same yet different.

But on down shifting YOU have to rev the engine to match the tranny. At first over rev the engine and let it slow, but listen to it and eventually you'll just 'know' the rpms.

Those of us who are in or beyound the middle sixties scoffed when the autotransmissions came out. Driving a stick shift was masculine. If you drive your vehical enough you will eventually just shift up or down by the sound of the engine. Sound proofing the cab may not be the best for the hard of hearing.

Edited May 14, 2012 by pflaming

[Dodgeb4ya]

The dodge truck "Spur Gear" 4 speeds are fun to drive. Even the heavier 5 speeds. I learned on the old dodges with these non syncro transmissions. You will have to keep on trying. You will learn it with more practice. They down shift fine too double clutching. Listen to the engine and be aware of your road speed as you shift-no tach needed!You're a real man-not a pansy man if you learn to shift a straight cut gear transmission!

Bob

Edited May 14, 2012 by Dodgeb4ya

[JBNeal]

the '49 was the 1st non-synchro truck I had driven, and with practice, I got a feel for how the gears were meshing. Double-clutching in low gears while climbing a hill, feathering the clutch shifting into high gear, easing the gearshift into lower gears while decelerating all have a feel in the gearshift that will become intuitive with enough time at the wheel.

[Merle Coggins]

I'm with you Ted. I still struggle with downshifts with my spur gear 4 speed, but it's slowly getting better. You could certainly change your trans to a newer syncro model, I know I would if I could find one to work with my Fluid Drive truck, but I'd stick with the 4 speed if I were you. The bell housings are slightly different between 3 and 4 speed models.

Merle

[NiftyFifty]

I had the same issues with my 4 speed, but I had just had enough if all the grinding and general noise do I went to the T5 swap and I'm so happy I did, makes the truck a whole new vehicle and a lot more highway friendly and a quieter ride IMO