4 speed trans desirable years?

[Tippyman]

I’m looking at buying a ratchet top 4 speed trans. It’ll be used on my rigid shovel.

I’ll be hand shifting, foot clutching, kick only. All the cool guy stuff.

Are there any years to avoid or search for?

[Tattooo]

I’m looking at buying a ratchet top 4 speed trans. Are there any years to avoid?

Nope........

[JBinNC]

For a shovel motor, any of the ratchet top transmissions with the ears for the aluminum primary is what you want. The mainshaft lengths are different for a generator motor or alternator motor but the mainshaft can be changed. You want to avoid the '64 and earlier transmissions without the ears, except as a donor transmission for parts.

Jim

[Tippyman]

For a shovel motor, any of the ratchet top transmissions with the ears for the aluminum primary is what you want. The mainshaft lengths are different for a generator motor or alternator motor but the mainshaft can be changed. You want to avoid the '64 and earlier transmissions without the ears, except as a donor transmission for parts.

Jim

Does it matter if I don’t plan on running a primary cover? I’m going open belt.

[JBinNC]

Does it matter if I don’t plan on running a primary cover? I’m going open belt.

Yes, it matters. Longer mainshafts in the shovel era transmissions require an outside bearing support. No ears, no place to mount the bearing support.

Jim

[Dragstews]

What year motor are you going to be using ??

[Tippyman]

‘83 shovel in a Paughco frame.

[JBinNC]

‘83 shovel in a Paughco frame.

For a bolt-in, you need a '70 - '78 transmission.

Jim

[Dragstews]

Going with an open drive does presents a problem using the 70-up tranny ...
Gone are the casted in track lugs that the 64 and back trannys used for stability ...

A motor plate would be wise to have especially if you do any Hot-Dog riding ...

[Tippyman]

For a bolt-in, you need a '70 - '78 transmission.

Jim

It’s a 5 speed fxr shovel, so nothing will bolt in. Gonna chop the mounts and weld a 4 speed plate on it anyway.

Going with an open drive does presents a problem using the 70-up tranny ...
Gone are the casted in track lugs that the 64 and back trannys used for stability ...

A motor plate would be wise to have especially if you do any Hot-Dog riding ...

I love hot doggin.

[Dragstews]

5-Speed FXR .. Huh .. ??

Now there's ....

.../// https://youtu.be/5T6umD9Z8HA \\\...

[Tippyman]

It’s a weird bike. Bought it already in the frame.

83 FXR Shovel in a Paughco frame (Made to keep all the fxr stuff) that someone raked to 45*.

I’d like to ditch the stupid transmission and get a kick only 4 speed to clean it all up, but wanna make sure I only buy once/cry once.

[Dragstews]

Ya know ....

You can get a 5 ina 4 gearbox and use the guts from your 5-speed in the new box ...



Also can add on a kicker if wanted to ..

[Tippyman]

Ya know ....

You can get a 5 ina 4 gearbox and use the guts from your 5-speed in the new box ...



Also can add on a kicker if wanted to ..

I wonder if that works with the shovel 5 speed. It’s a weird 3 year only trans or something. Not the same as the newer softail trans.

Edit: Damn it says this: “ S&S 5-speed transmission cases accept most OEM and aftermarket 5-speed style trap doors, bearings, seals, and other parts designed for 1985-1999 Softail transmissions.”

[Dragstews]

Lookie what I found in my stash ...



SPUTHE 5-SPEED for 4-SPEED FRAME
WITH KICK START TRANSMISSION CONVERSION KIT

The Sputhe 5-speed Kick Starter Assembly adapts a 5-speed transmission from ’80 to late ’84 to accept 4-speed kicker units. The assembly kit features a one-piece main shaft and heavy-duty access door for strength and reliability. Includes door with bearing and snap rings, main shaft with spacer and nut, clutch rod center and mounting bolts. Finish, “as cast”. All other parts required are stock H-D.

REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION,
MAINSHAFTS AND GASKETS

Part #

8114 Transmission mainshaft (4 to 5)

8114K Mainshaft (8000TK)

Transmission Gaskets
Genuine James Gaskets

Part #
8270 Transmission top cover gasket
8279 Bearing housing gasket
8280 Clutch release cover gasket
8601 Transmission gasket & seal kit