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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 39 Ford transmission stuck in 2nd gear

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Discussion Topic: 39 Ford transmission stuck in 2nd gear

Noose

07-07-2025 @ 12:55 PM

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Posts: 2
Joined: Jul 2025

Hello all!
I'm a new member and an owner of a 1939 Ford Standard Tudor.
I purchased this car a few months ago, it is a survivor.
While driving home from a show in Reading PA, the shifter stuck in 2nd gear and is really jammed!
I drove it home, about 4 miles, at about 20 mph.
Where do I start?
How much of the floorboard needs to be removed for shifter access?
Does this sound like a shifter problem?
Any and all help appreciated!
Thanks!

carcrazy

07-07-2025 @ 4:20 PM

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Posts: 1976
Joined: Oct 2009

Several causes that might allow the transmission to get stuck in 2nd gear are: worn synchronizer, worn shifter fork or low transmission fluid level.

juergen

07-08-2025 @ 5:44 AM

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Posts: 275
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Sounds to me like a shifter problem. You have to remove both right and left floor boards (and perhaps the seat) to remove the trans cover. Then take off the top and see if its removal allows you to move the shift lever. Also look at the trans to see if the 2nd/high synchro is rearward in second and the rear fork is not in neutral. Somehow something is out oif synch.

40 Coupe

07-08-2025 @ 6:32 AM

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Posts: 1800
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Suggest looking at the base of the shifter itself. There is a pin that the shifter moves back and forth on and it may be very worn Suggest looking at a parts book and be careful not to let the pin drop into the transmission, after removing the shift lever.

zeke3

07-08-2025 @ 2:16 PM

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Back in the 1960’s, my brother and I had something similar happen to his 1937, I think he was responsible for it. I thought we were in deep do-do, but it turned out to be a fairly easy fix in our case. Both Juergen and 40coupe offer good tips above that may correct the problem.

Be sure not to let the little alignment pin fall into the transmission when you pull ou the shift lever as stated above!

-Set the parking brake or block the wheels because the transmission is going to be shifted in neutral
-Remove the retaining collar on the shift lever.
-Remove the alignment pin on the right side of the shift tower.
-Remove the shift lever.
-Look down in the transmission and notice the notches in the two shift rails, one on the left and one on the right. The rail on the left should be rearward in second gear.
-Take a large flat blade screw driver and pry the left rail forward so that the notch aligns with the right side, this should be neutral for the transmission. The two shift rail notches should be in the center of the opening. It was described to us as looking like a capital H.
-Inspect the lower end of the shifter for wear or damage to the slot for the alignment pin and inspect the alignment pin for wear or damage.
-Install the shift lever back in the transmission, install the alignment pin and screw the collar all the way on.
-Let me know if you have any questions.

I hope this corrects your problem, it worked for us.

07-08-2025 @ 3:47 PM

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Before doing anything else, I would first make sure the retaining collar/cap (part #7220) at the bottom of the shift lever is scr*w*d down tight on the shift tower...

See transmission diagram here > http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/FH_trans-pics/Flathead_Trans_1936-52-LD3spd.jpg

This message was edited by MG on 7-8-25 @ 3:53 PM

Noose

07-13-2025 @ 7:24 AM

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Posts: 2
Joined: Jul 2025

Thanks all for your support!
I pulled the top off the transmission and "unstuck" shifter fork. I then removed shifter stick, noticed flats on each side of ball at bottom of stick. I'm assuming the flats are wear, and could be causing my problems.? Should the ball be round? Can I get it repaired, or does someplace sell a replacement?
I saw one used on Ebay with the same flats?

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