239 flathead 8BA in a 38 ford pickup- Having some transmission thoughts- should I buy a bell housing adapter and swap to a 3 speed and get a new clutch- or should I cut, adjust and modify current clutch linkage, transmission mounts and frame a little- thanks Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thats a heavy, non synchronized truck 4 speed, are you sure thats what you want? top loader 3 speed would be good in my opinion
You should be able to bolt the 3 speed up with the short bellhousing off an F-1 pickup> you need the bellhousing and the plate between it and the block to bolt the starter to. Here is the one I have on my 8BA that has the Ford hogshead for the 4 speed truck trans that is used to bolt some adapters to the 8 BA Bottom photo is one off a flathead Ford six that I have. it does look pretty much the same though and shows what you are looking for. That lets you bolt that Ford 3 speed directly to the 8 BA and should let you use your stock clutch linkage without any real issues.
I'd agree that you really don't want that granny 4 speed unless you are planning on pulling stumps out in the back 40 with the truck.
You would be waaaay ahead if you could find a transmission out of a '49-early '51 Mercury. The front is like a pre-49 Ford (it even has the same clutch linkage), while the back is like an 8BA. You can even get 'em with overdrive. You will still need a Ford pickup (cast iron) or a Mercury (pressed steel and preferred) bell housing.
Thanks! Update* bell housing cast iron adapter and 3 speed bought. I’ll just need a new clutch and fly wheel I’m guessing. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
you stay with the flywheel and clutch thats on the motor. Probably 11" if it was in a truck. A 10" would be lighter if it matters to you
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