1946 Dodge gearbox

[cornwall classics]

I have a 1946 dodge halfton short bed truck which i  exported from the States to England a while ago and have found it difficult to drive with the non synchro 4 speed box, it has the original straight 6 engine and wondered which chrysler corporation 3 speed synchro boxes would fit and would i have to change the bellhousing? Does anyone know where i could locate a 3 speed for it?

[Young Ed]

The halftons came standard with 3spd and had the 4spd as optional. The bellhousing start out the same but are drilled differently for the trans mounting holes. I believe thats the only difference. Suggest you sign up for the yahoo 39-47 group. There are a couple members on that side of the ocean that might have something or a closer lead than I would have.

[cornwall classics]

Thanks for your reply, will any of the car gearboxes fit or will i have to source a truck box?  A friend in CA is prepared to help me ship one over if i locate one Stateside, i will also try the yahoo 39-47 group, thanks for your help. Regards Graham.

[MBF]

Is there something wrong with the clashbox 4 speed?  If not, it can be driven like a 3 speed starting out in 2nd.  (FIrst gear isn't often needed unless the vehicle is loaded).  If the box is ok-try driving it at a 3 speed.  First gear in the 4 speeds isn't synchronized in the newer boxes. Have someone show you how to double clutch the unit and you may save yourself some skinned knuckles. Mike

[Young Ed]

Thanks for your reply, will any of the car gearboxes fit or will i have to source a truck box?  A friend in CA is prepared to help me ship one over if i locate one Stateside, i will also try the yahoo 39-47 group, thanks for your help. Regards Graham.

 

They may fit with work but they are way different. The truck 3spd is a squat little unit with a floor shift. Last car floor shift was 39.

[Jerry Roberts]

 What hasn't been said is that the truck 3 speed  boxes were synchronized starting in 1941 .  ( second and third gear ) . I recommend finding a truck 3 speed synchronized transmission to make things easier . 

[cornwall classics]

Thanks guys for all your advise , i think i will try and locate a 3 speed with synchro as recomended by Jerry. Where i live here in England it is very hilly and seem to be for ever trying to change down the gears with difficulty even after doubling the clutch and giving it some throttle inbetween. Will the 3 speed synchro boxes from the next series of trucks fit- ie 1948 onwards ? Im thinking  it may be easier for me to locate one of these. if anyone knows of a suitable box available please let me know. Graham.

[Scruffy49]

Exactly the same transmission as used in your truck. The engine and gear box didn't change until 1950 for trucks, when they went to the less than user friendly 3 on the tree car format.

 

I may be scrapping out the 218, 230 and the truck 3spd from my 49. No time to try and bring an L6 back from the dead. Plan to yank the 318 (hate it but it runs) and 727 out of my likely will never see a butt in its cab again 69 D100. The field mice really did a number on the 69, too disgusted to even think about putting it back in service.

.

[cornwall classics]

Thanks for the info and let me know if you decide to scrap the 49 i would be interested in the 3 speedbox from it, what price would you be looking for?  I am in England but sometimes buy vehicles from a guy in CA and have them shipped here so if i could get it sent to him that would be good.

[Scruffy49]

Keeping the truck, it was my grandfather's.

 

Right now it has the original 3 on the floor transmission, a 1948 P15 sourced 218 with a few broken piston rings, and a spare 1956 or 57 Savoy sourced 230 that ran but has set around and is now stuck tight. Broke a 4 foot long breaker bar trying to turn the engine over, so the engine is scrap iron.

 

Originally bought the 69 D100 as a parts donor for the 49, and since the 69 has new brakes, a freshly redone 318 and a good 727 slushomatic wasting away in a body with tinworm and mouse damage... The 69 is being turned into a static farm stand, ought as well put its good parts in the 49s decent to good body.

 

Freeing up the L6s and related for somebody else to use if they want to try and bring the cores back to life. Literally can't GIVE the complete from drum to drum, including lug bolts, rear axle assembly away...

 

Price on the transmission? I don't know, couple cases of decent beer?

Edited November 3, 2013 by Scruffy49

[Dodgeb4ya]

I learned to drive a 1950 dodge 4 speed crash box when I was 16. My brother taught me how .I love the whine of the old dodge non syncro 4 speeds. I also drive a dodge 4 tonner that has a 5 and 2  trans axle combo. That thing is a real kick to driveit. You've got to be a "real"  man to drive that truck.

If it was me I'd learn to drive the truck as it was made. No modern panseyness for me with my old dodge trucks!