Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

A local shop replaced my 2nd-3rd shifting fork with a good used fork 300 miles ago. In that short time one of the fork's brass blocks has worn down almost 1/8 inch. It looks like it has been pushed very hard toward 3rd gear (photo attached). We did some measurements and it does not look like the fork is bent. Any ideas why just one side would get so much wear so quickly?

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I'd wonder if the detent block in the trans was bolted in straight or was cocked so pressure is against the pad all the time. Wear and bolt problems with the detent block mounting was an issue with some of the trans.

Another thing could be the 2-3 rods may be misadjusted or bent and continuing to put pressure on the lever and fork when it is detented.

Thanks Howard. By detent block do you mean the shift cover? If so, did the original bolts have "shoulders" to make sure the cover fits in the exact right place?

Yes, block is on the cover as shown in this photo from trans training manual. Second photo is one of the first articles published in 1943 on the loose bolt problem. Same trans was used post war and IIRC there was another article or two in the 46-50 years reminding mechanics to check the block if there were certain trans or shifting problems.

Just looking at the wear on the block and the fork arrangement any chance the entire fork is twisted from the top and not just bent on one side. I don't believe there is much slop possible in the cover but is there enough it could be sitting on the trans slightly crooked.

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This probably isn't relevant, but just a few weeks ago in bumper-to-bumper traffic, having to shift into first over and over again (I generally go into 2nd to slow things down and then into first), I suddenly had no 1st gear. I managed to get to a tire place (Les Schwab) and they were nice enough to put it on the rack and take a look.

The pinch bolt holding the fork to the transmission had come loose. I suspect it had been loose for awhile and in the wrong position, even though I could shift okay. So possibly that should be checked to be sure it's seated properly and tight. It's easiest to tighten from above opening the access plate in the floorboard.