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Technical Ford Transmissions 35-38 and 39

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by MERCURYGUY, Oct 11, 2025.

  1. MERCURYGUY
    Joined: Jul 30, 2009
    Posts: 4,398

    MERCURYGUY
    Member

    I have been told that the 1939 is the better of the two is there a major difference. I have an opportunity to get a very good 35-38 behind my 8BA engine but wonder is there a difference in fit up or is the 39 a better deal Thanks Tom
     
  2. AVater
    Joined: Dec 9, 2008
    Posts: 3,452

    AVater
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Either one bolts up. The later ‘39 (early ‘39 much like the earlier yeas you note) has two shift detents and a larger (3”) shifting fork. Having had both, not much noticeable difference except everyone seems to favor ‘39.
     
    Algoma56 and LOU WELLS like this.
  3. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 4,294

    rusty valley
    Member

    The guts from a side shift 40 to 48 will go in your 38 case, and then you have the newer better syncros.
     
    Algoma56 and sidevalve8ba like this.
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,556

    alchemy
    Member

    I agree with Vater. I had a 38-ish trans in my sedan, and when some bearings got noisy I rebuilt it with 39 guts and shifter. I can’t say I felt any difference in the ease of shifting (the syncros).
     
    Algoma56 likes this.

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