55 FFPW Tranny Shifting Issue

[Alan]

Hello, I’ve been enjoying the forum for some time now but this will be my first post. I have a 1955 FFPW that is nearly all original. It has a C-38711 transmission that I understand from the VPW catalog to be just about obsolete as far as replacement parts go. The transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner of the truck and seems to shift well the majority of the time. I’ve had two instances of the shifter being stuck in gear. The first time it stuck it appeared as though after shifting into third gear the guide pin broke allowing the lever to turn and move out of alignment with any of the forks. I lifted the top off found the shift lever would not move but all of the gears inside did move freely. I corrected the issue with the broken pin and drove the truck without issue for a few hundred miles. The second time I had an issue I was in fourth gear beginning to slow down for a stop sign. I pushed in the clutch and the shifter would not move out of gear. I removed the top and found that the shifter was stuck but all of the gears would move freely.
I’m curious about whether the ball & spring could be hanging up on the rail for 3rd and 4th gear or if the issue is related to the guide pin. I have the top off, but haven’t taken anything apart yet. Are there any special tips to removing the rails? Are the spring and the ball going to be under much pressure? Is there any special lubricant that should be used on the rails?

The original guide pin wasn’t in the best shape to have any kind of an idea of how much tension that held on the lever ball. I tapped the hole and installed a bolt with the end machined to resemble the pin. The lever doesn’t feel sloppy, so I don’t suspect that. I would certainly investigate this further if anyone thinks that could be an issue. I did check and make sure that the shifter forks on both rails are tight.

Any thoughts or ideas on how to approach the repair would be greatly appreciated.

[Tom Petroff]

The tang on the very end of the shift lever where it engages the
Forks is worn.
You can weld up the tang then grind it into proper shape.
Also the groove where the pin rides can receive the same
Treatment.

Not a bad fix unless you can locate a newer one.

Tom

[Alan]

Thanks Tom! I'll take it apart and check it out.

[53Crusher]

Groove

I had the same problem. My shifter groove actually looked like an X when the shifter was first removed. Pin had really created wear. Made for some bad shifting problems. Wish I had taken a "before" picture, but this is my repaired shifter.

[Cheyenne Dave]

I was sure I had taken some before pix before making that repair but I can't seem to find them. I will keep searching...that shift lever ball was pretty jacked up.

cd

[Alan]

I had found a thread about a sloppy shifter, but I didn't make the connection with it causing it to lock up. I'm anxious to take it apart and see how worn it is.

This thread shows a few pictures of what you guys are talking about.
http://www.powerwagonadvertiser.com/...ad.php?t=15222

Thanks again!

[Alan]

I took the shifter top apart this evening. There is a little bit of wear on the ball that should be straightforward to square away. The tang looks a little thin to me. Should it be tapered or is it worn like that?

[Tom Petroff]

That tang is worn out and your problem.
It's going to need a lot of welding.

Look at the picture of Doc Dave's in the thread link you
Found.
Huge difference.

Hopefully someone could provide measurements for you.

Maybe you can find a better one?
VPW,http://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/

Midwest Military, http://www.midwestmilitary.net/

Dave Cirillo http://www.jobrated.com/index.html

Tom

[Alan]

I was able to get a new one from VPW. There is a big difference!

[tuko]

I would say so!!!