I'm rebuilding this box but it's supposed to be a '39 according to the chassis number on the transmission. However the casting number starts with 99 and these are the gears in it. They are '38 aren't they? Can I use them? Or would a set of side shifter gears with the new synchromesh fit in there? I thought the new synchromesh came out in '39. Ed Twitter @edsrodshop
Here's the picture Casting number is 99-7006. Chassis number is 18-4,736,734. This is stamped on the top of the transmission and looks original. Ed Twitter @edsrodshop
Looks like the 36-39 old synchro style. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_transID_3speed-gears.htm
MANY 1939 Fords had the '36-38 gear set, so that's not unusual at all. Oddly, the new gears carried 1938 Ford part numbers, and were first used in 1938...but only in the Zephyr, the ones with the Ed Roth looking shifter. The "99" casting was just discussed a bit on the Fordbarn...there seem to be a number of them around. The 99 would indicate it was designed for '39 Merc use...I am not sure if it made it into any catalog listing, will try to remember to look in Merc catalog tonight. It would be interesting to look at one next to an early 78 type...there must have been some sort of difference to justify the number. Nothing wrong with using '36-8 gearset if it's in good shape. They shift fine, and obviously are as strong as the later ones since actual cogs are the same.
The synchro sleeve is backward in the picture.....the small lip should face toward the front of the trans. As Bruce said, this trans can shift fine if all parts are in good shape and the gearbox is setup properly.
The numerals stamped on the bellhousing was the V.I.N. All trucks had it there, and possibly some passenger cars. The last use of that topshifter were the 41 pickups. 4TTRUK
The top center shifter case lived on till 1950 in pickups but cars went to remote shift in 1940. Most all the pre-war and a good chunk of post war vehicles had the ID number on the half bell top. The transmission number stamping was phased out after 1948.
Thanks Bruce. I have a nice set of '38 gears for it and will build it as it is. You'd think a '39 Merc would have the new gears eh. I'll place it side by side with a 78 and take some photos today. Twitter @edsrodshop
Ed, i use early trans all the times and they work Fine if the syncros are ok. I never thought i need 39 boxes
It's not FROM a Merc because the serial number is 18-, meaning it was in a 221 Ford or pickup. The 99 on casting means the thing was originally designed for a 239 app, but clearly its ingrequent appearances are mixed. The number does not show up in the merc parts book, which lists the usual 78 case for the '39. All Fords and Merc passenger had the serial on trans from 1932-48, all trucks through '47. 18 series for 221, 99 for 239, others for 60 and 6 cylinders, etc. That was the vehicle's main number, and was copied onto the frame at****embly.
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