I have a question about the old 4 speed transmissions used in the big bolts. I have a old 1947 with full sliding gear shifting. The thing shifts fine when the trucks cold but get the gear lub hot it starts grinding every time I shift and double clutching don't even help some of the time. And more importantly the tranny makes insane amounts of noise in 1st second and third gears. (And yes I realize it's the way it's designed.) Once in 4th the noise is considerably reduced, but I installed a overdrive that required the truck to be in 3rd gear. The engine can't handle fourth and 3rd about will drive you crazy.
Anyway the question. I acquired a 1954 4-speed transmission a while back and can get a 1980's transmission for $100. I know they changed the 4speed in 1949 to helical cut constant mesh for gears 2,3,4. And I hear both tyrannies should bolt right up. but I was wondering if this cuts down the noise much and improves the shifting performance? The helical cut is at a fairly small angle compared to newer units so I'm not sure if it will help. If not I may opt to get the 1980's tranny.
Another issue, I need a PTO and don't think my 47' will fit on either newer tyranny cause the gears it has to run from are helical and mine a straight. Is this correct?
