The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 4 speed transmission

I went out and started the beast earlier. It started up after a fair bit of grinding. It's been a month since it last was started and it's cold today.

The problem is, it is stuck in first gear, the shifter won't move, and the truck won't move either. When I let out the clutch, the engine bogs down and dies.

I got out and pushed the truck back and forth to jog the tranny. It did no good.

The truck is a 1952 1 1/2 ton.

Any ideas?

What kind of 4 spd? If you have a car transmission or one with an external linkage, it sounds like the linkage is hung in 2 gears. Obviously if it's a truck trans, that's not the case. The old 3 on the tree was bad for that, too. I've not seen a truck trans do it but it might be possible.
I've seen other posts for this same problem, I'd like for someone to tell us what they found.
Looks like I answered too quick, being a 1 1/2 ton it must be a truck trans.

I had one that had got water in it,froze and split the case,you may want to put a heater under it.

Frozen is a possibility as it is cold here today. The last time I drove it, 6 weeks ago, it was sunny and mild.

My next attempt is to jack up the rear end and move the wheels back and forth to try to loosen it.

It is a big 4 speed, standard on the big bolts.

If it worked in warm weather but doesn't now, it could very well be frozen. If you can't get a heater under it to warm it up, you may have to wait till spring. Then, obviously, your first order of business will be to drain and change the oil! In the meantime, be careful in trying to force things. That's how things get broke!

Joe, take out the bottom drain plug, if oil runs out that looks like oil and not cream, its probably not frozen. If it doesn't run out, use a pencil or screwdriver to check whats in there. If its frozen water, use a coffee can with burning charcoal held right up to the botton of the tranny to warm it up and melt the ice.You won't hurt the tranny but keep your eye on it not to start the grease on fire. You can also remove the power takeoff cover on the drivers side to get a better look and use a small propane torch to melt the ice. A few hours at 33 degrees winn do wonders. A couple of days with a couple of heat lamps might work well too. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice Rich and Bill, Mearl and Tntrucknut. Since this is a project, there is no hurry to unfreeze it, though I am worried about the case cracking. Now that there is a windshield in the cab, I will drain the tranny when the temp rises and refill with fresh grease.