Driving a 3A

[Kirkski]

So, having never actually driven a 3A under power, or any older Jeep for that matter. What will be the proper 2 wheel drive shift arrangement? I am assuming left shift on Transfer case in the "Out" position and then the right shift in "Neutral"??

Thanks sorry for the elementary issue, but I need to ask... Will be test driving within a few weeks I hope.

[1955CJ-5]

Neutral on the high range/ low range lever...the short lever... will not deliver power to the wheels...

Normal 2 wheel drive is the longer right side lever forward, and the short one all the way back. Then you just don't mess with those levers unless you need 4 wheel drive..

Hubs unlocked if you have them.

Remember no syncro in first gear so you must be at a full stop to shift into first....

And don't get any bugs in your teeth because you are gonna have a big smile on your face!!

[athawk11]

That's alright Kirkski.

To this day I occasionally have to look at the dash plate...even after 4 years of driving it.  

[Kirkski]

Ok cool thanks guys!!

I'm going to be smiling so much I'll get face cramps I'm sure!! I am so ready

[Jeff_M]

Remember no syncro in first gear so you must be at a full stop to shift into first....

Unless you know how to double-clutch. 

[Ryan_M]

Unless you know how to double-clutch.

I think a "how-to" video for the benefit of this forum may be in order next time you're up. Then, maybe if I watch it enough too, I'll actually be able to do it successfully.....

[BMIC]

Kirkski, congrats on getting to this point... As I rolled down the road on my first trip my mind was filled with what did I forget to tighten or put a cotter pin in.

[Jeff_M]

Unless you know how to double-clutch.

I think a "how-to" video for the benefit of this forum may be in order next time you're up. Then, maybe if I watch it enough too, I'll actually be able to do it successfully.....

That actually might not be a bad idea.  I just checked, and there is virtually nothing on Youtube about this.  The subject seems to come up here quite often.  May have to wait until spring at this point, though.  We'll see.

[macrisel]

Unless you know how to double-clutch.

I think a "how-to" video for the benefit of this forum may be in order next time you're up. Then, maybe if I watch it enough too, I'll actually be able to do it successfully.....

Learning how to double clutch definately takes some time and skill!  The hardest part is matching the RPM on the downshift clutch to match the ground speed.  I have become decent at it, but still grind gears once in a while.....especially if I'm still moving too fast.  I have my best luck when I force myselft to wait until my groundspeed is around 5mph or so.

Have fun with it!  I bet less than 10% of the US population can still drive a stick......of that I bet there are VERY few that can double clutch successfully!  If you look at the under 30 crowd........hardly anyone could even START a vehicle with a standard transmission!

[aboyandhisdog]

I would sure be interested in learning to clutchX2.  On the FCT and BHR events that I've attended, I always have to stop (or nearly stop) in order to shift to 1st.  I double clutch but still get a bit of grinding.  Yet I see a lot of the other guys and gals shifting to 1st on the fly.  Don't know if they are doing it right or ruining their tranny, but it is something that sometimes you just have to do.  I've asked a couple of the guys about it and as best I can tell, the consensus is that a bit of grinding is no big deal.  I have trouble accepting that grinding is ever something you would do unless absolutely unavoidable (if even then).

To those of you who have opened up their trannys, what are you seeing?  Does 1st gear generally show a lot of damage?

Would love to see a video on this.

[Jeff_M]

If Ryan_M sees this he may be able to post a pic of the first gear he replaced in his 3A, which in 60 years I can guarantee saw lots of grinding.  In the whole scheme of things, I guess it wasn't all that bad. 

I've looked more thoroughly thru youtube and have not found any videos about downshifting/double-clutching 3-speed tranny into first, which is too bad because the 3-speed was the transmission of choice for domestic manufacturers from the 20's right through the 70's. 

With some instruction a lots of practice it's not difficult to downshift into first pretty much grind-free.  I'll see if I can prevail on my videographer/Jeep owner to assist me in making an instructional video, which I believe is needed. 

[bretto]

Every picture I've seen of an well used 1st/rev gear is pretty worn at the ends.  With it being a straight cut design, it will still work well once engaged and won't be popping out of gear like a worn out #2 gear circuit.

[Ryan_M]

If Ryan_M sees this he may be able to post a pic of the first gear he replaced in his 3A, which in 60 years I can guarantee saw lots of grinding.� In the whole scheme of things, I guess it wasn't all that bad.�
�

Ask and you shall receive. It's been the official paperweight on my workbench since I fished it out of the T-90 four years ago.

[athawk11]

Ouch.  Someone was really mean to that gear. 

Tim

[1955CJ-5]

Double ouch...maybe I don't need to downshift into first....