Brown Lipe Gearshift Knob, What To Look For?

[chris401]

I am starting the 5531-A installation. Going to make a few things but I am want an original or original look alike knob. What was used originally? Were there U-D-OD, L-D-H or ?
Thanks

[Hemi Joel]

I had a 74 LN700T with a 4 speed Brownie box. The shift knob was marked with an H pattern that had 1 2 3 4 N. Then there was a sticker on the dash or visor or somewhere that had the H pattern and explained each gear: low, under, direct, over.  The shift pattern is not like a car either.

[chris401]

I had a 74 LN700T with a 4 speed Brownie box. The shift knob was marked with an H pattern that had 1 2 3 4 N. Then there was a sticker on the dash or visor or somewhere that had the H pattern and explained each gear: low, under, direct, over.  The shift pattern is not like a car either.

Thanks, I may be on to something. I just got off the phone with a man that used to put these transmissions in 3/4 and 1 ton pickups. He said it was a popular addition till the overdrive transmissions became standard equipment. The problem with mine is the maximum 12 3/4" ground clearance in the center of the truck. If I create a hump for the unit I start getting into the drive shaft angle. That puny Watson 41M1 is looking pretty good right now.

[BattlestarGalactic]

I've never seen a "marked" shift knob on an aux transmission.  Usually in a big truck it was just a plaque on the dash.  Myself, I just wrote it in sharpie so I don't forget LOL!!  Though it shifts the same as my Mack compound, but has 4 spds instead of only 3 in my Triplex.  Macks always have a big plaque above the windshield on B models, later trucks were on the dash.

Yes, the 4 spds are not a common car pattern.  You shift it in a big "U" pattern. 

Lo lo      OD
Lo          direct


I put a Hurst T handle on mine!  Where my Mack sticks are just plain bakelite knobs.

Here is the piston grip I started with, but it wasn't comfortable to use at the angle it was so I swapped for a T handle:

[chris401]

I have a couple of old T Handle knobs. The plain knob may be easier to get than I thought. There are only a few people I would turn loose in my truck and they would eventuality figure it out. Dad used to haul with a couple of auxiliary transmissions trucks. He said he would hook and shift one of the shiters with his elbow while shifting the other by hand. If he missed he would usually have to pull over and start over again.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Yup, it takes finesse to shift multiple transmissions.  It's not that hard, you just have to learn the sequence and how they shift.  I spend the whole first summer in my truck trying to figure it all out.   With no synchronizers, you have to match RPM and road speed.  That was a big stumbling block for me, even with lots of stick shift driving.  That "finesse" took me most of the summer to be proficient at.

I'm sure I've posted this before. 
This is one handed version(this is like 14 yrs ago before I put the third box in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-aDqAWkZHQ

Two handed version:  (still before the third box)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KhPcDMGRxw&t=0s&index=253&list=FLG7tsiz6ywbDe4-26sfWJcQ

[chris401]

Yup, it takes finesse to shift multiple transmissions.  It's not that hard, you just have to learn the sequence and how they shift.  I spend the whole first summer in my truck trying to figure it all out.   With no synchronizers, you have to match RPM and road speed.  That was a big stumbling block for me, even with lots of stick shift driving.  That "finesse" took me most of the summer to be proficient at.

I'm sure I've posted this before. 
This is one handed version(this is like 14 yrs ago before I put the third box in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-aDqAWkZHQ

Two handed version:  (still before the third box)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KhPcDMGRxw&t=0s&index=253&list=FLG7tsiz6ywbDe4-26sfWJcQ

Reading some of the comments it came back to me. The Mack had a short shift, not much rpm but a lot of torque in that short curve. He drove an International they called the Screamin Demon. He would often drive the trucks home. I remember hearing the International coming down the highway several miles away. I think it hauled equipment and the Mack was the gravel truck.

[chris401]

I won't have much reason the work both transmissions going down the road. Mine is just for the low in town, direct and over drive for the highway. I can see the benifit of a twin stick climbing a hill loaded. OD to direct to 3rd/OD. Still working out the 12 3/4" ground clearance under the seat. I may put a hump under the seat and cock the nose up some to mellow out the driveshaft angle. With the short slip yoke between the transmissions that may not work well. Also have a cab cross member to deal with. I guess if I left it low and put a skid plate on it. With enough speed I could clear anything once.

[NIsaacs]

I would think 13" is more than enough, especially with your short wheel base. My dually is 161" no problems ever.

[chris401]

I would think 13" is more than enough, especially with your short wheel base. My dually is 161" no problems ever.

I have two the other truck it is going in is a long wheel base F-250. Looks like your one ton might sit up a little more than mine. Straight axle?

[NIsaacs]

Okay, I was looking at the step side. Yes, I pulled the twin I beam out and installed a straight axle out of a '76 Dodge motor home, so it is probably a little taller truck. I still think 12" is more than enough, unless off road is part of your plan.

[chris401]

Okay, I was looking at the step side. Yes, I pulled the twin I beam out and installed a straight axle out of a '76 Dodge motor home, so it is probably a little taller truck. I still think 12" is more than enough, unless off road is part of your plan.

You never know. Best to stay ready for anything. I robbed the air cleaner and air conditioning ducts off a 74 Dodge moror home.

[NIsaacs]

Lol, I haven't seen the ol' jar lid single master cylinder in forever, nice!

[chris401]

Lol, I haven't seen the ol' jar lid single master cylinder in forever, nice!

It is going away soon. I have everything repop new and NOS for a dual pot 67. Just need the time to stop driving and doo the swap. Ford moved the rear axle distribution block over an inch to the left for some reason. Need to find one or make a bracket for the 65's

[NIsaacs]

My old '70 F-100 had the dual master but no power booster so I installed one out of a '62 Mercury, excellent upgrade.