Broken transmission case

[Pete]

I’m looking for advice on a problem with my transmission.

 

I found a crack on my engine’s front cover plate right by the front engine mount, so I pulled the engine to replace that part. As long as I pulled the engine, I decided to freshen it up and pulled the trans too to address some fluid leaks.

 

I discovered one of the four “ears” through which the trans is mounted to the bellhousing is broken off. See pics.

 

There was no bolt or stud for that mounting point, so the trans has been supported by the other three bolts for a very long time. The trans shifts well and there hasn’t seemed to be any alignment problems.

 

The engine is a 1938 Canadian built long block. The trans is a three speed non-synchromesh “crash box” which appears to be original to the vehicle. Double clutching anyone?

 

So, I need a plan forward. Should I just use the three bolts as it was when I pulled it? That doesn’t sit well with me.

 

The chances of finding a good case probably aren’t too good, so I’m probably looking at getting another trans. If I go that route I’ll check my Hollander to see what fits without requiring too much alteration.

 

Please let me know your thoughts.

 

Pete

Edited December 15, 2021 by Pete
Edited for clairty.

[soth122003]

Judging from what you stated, It will work fine without the ear. I can see 3 options.

1. Use it as is with maybe a larger washer to help clamp it in place.

2. Try going to a wielding shop and see if they can wield a new piece in place. The other three bolts did a good job for years so a fabbed piece will help as it will not be the only support for the tranny mount.

3. get a another tranny.

 

Joe Lee

[Plymouthy Adams]

you may be able to fabricate a captured step...on that will be on the back side flat of what is left...welded to a step that would simulate the ear...this would auto center to the bellhousing, capture the ear that is remaining and displace it also to the bell.  Outside of welding, grinding, drilling....your next move would be just change the case.  This really as you now know with it being broken for ever so long and you not aware....this will give it the added clamp for equal torque and give you a bit of peace of mind.

[oldodge41]

I would run it knowing the history, but admittedly, I am a bit of a hack...........If it makes you feel better to replace go for it. The captured step idea makes sense to me as a reasonable solution.

[Bryan]

Looking on Ebay for one..located near Quebec Canada  1940 1941 1942 1946 1947 1948 DODGE PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER DESOTO TRANSMISSION 3 SPEE | eBay

[soth122003]

You might also post to the want ad section here and look for people who have swapped out the tranny for an r-10 or other upgrade.

 

Joe Lee

[Bryan]

Marketplace - 1936 DeSoto Overdrive Transmission Dodge Plymouth Chrysler | Facebook  in NY.. Don't know if fits..

[Bryan]

Marketplace - Dodge flathead six cylinder pick up truck engines I think they’re from the 1930s | Facebook  They say a transmission is with it. Doesn't look like a truck. New jersey.

[Bryan]

Marketplace - 1936-1941 Mopar 201 inline 6 | Facebook  Auburn NY - says transmission rebuilt.

[joecoozie]

Sent you a (private)Message

[Tired iron]

A welding shop can fix that no problem. I've taken cracked tranny cases in before and it was an easy job for them.

[Pete]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I’ll look for a replacement trans.

 

The truck has its original 1938 engine and three speed trans. It’s been in the family since the 1970s and I’ve come to like it for its character and quirks, including double clutching. I think its non-syncro crash box is the last year before Dodge put the newer tranny in with its sychro in second and third gears. Any dodge trucks from 1937 and 1938 with the three speed trans from half to one ton would have this gearbox.

 

It's a lot of fun driving it on the unpaved back roads here in rural Vermont.

 

Pete

 

 

Edited December 17, 2021 by Pete

[Bryan]

Yeah, I was trying to find you one on Facebook marketplace within a 250 miles of Burlington Vermont.  If you look, it is a long process. FB M doesn't have a good search engine.  

[moparfun]

Pete, many years ago I changed the tranny on my 38 pickup, I found a newer tranny with synchros that was a for a three on the tree shifter, the case looked the same. I took the lid off and apart and found that the shifter forks (on the newer trans) would interchange with the original floor shifter forks, the shifter forks were different in both trans. I took both lids apart and put the forks from the newer tranny on the old floor shifter lid and it worked. The forks are riveted in place to the lid, remove the rivets switch the forks and reassemble, it was a long time ago and I can't tell you what year the newer trans was, more options