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
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.
The guts from a side shift 40 to 48 will go in your 38 case, and then you have the newer better syncros.
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).