Crosley Car Transmission
Introduction
Crosley was an American automobile manufacturer that produced small, lightweight, and fuel-efficient cars from 1939 to 1952. Crosley cars were known for their innovative design and engineering, including their unique transmission system.
Transmission Design
The Crosley transmission was a three-speed manual transmission with a unique “pre-selector” design. The pre-selector allowed the driver to select the next gear before releasing the clutch, which made for smoother and faster gear changes.
The transmission was mounted at the rear of the car, and it was connected to the engine by a driveshaft. The driveshaft was enclosed in a tube, which helped to reduce noise and vibration.
Gear Ratios
The Crosley transmission had the following gear ratios:
- 1st gear: 2.66:1
- 2nd gear: 1.66:1
- 3rd gear: 1:1
- Reverse gear: 3.00:1
Shifting
To shift gears, the driver would first select the desired gear using the pre-selector lever. Once the gear was selected, the driver would release the clutch and depress the accelerator pedal. The car would then shift into the selected gear.
Advantages of the Crosley Transmission
The Crosley transmission had several advantages over conventional transmissions.
- Smoother and faster gear changes
- Reduced noise and vibration
- Improved fuel economy
- More compact and lightweight
Disadvantages of the Crosley Transmission
The Crosley transmission also had some disadvantages.
- More complex and expensive to manufacture
- Less durable than conventional transmissions
- Could be difficult to find replacement parts
Conclusion
The Crosley transmission was a unique and innovative design that offered several advantages over conventional transmissions. However, its complexity and expense ultimately led to its demise. Today, the Crosley transmission is a rare and sought-after item among collectors.
