transmission swap in 63 unibody


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By sc63uni - 15 Years Ago
hey guys  Im putting my 63 292 back together and would like to put in a syncronized 3 spd back in . had a t85 thats needs a rebuild but would like to know the easiest swap. what can i expect to have to modify? thanks
By lowrider - 15 Years Ago
I don't know all the particulars about doing the swap but I did run across a one done in a 57 Ford Custom 300. The guy changed the T85 for a toploader 3sp. He said it was mostly a bolt in conversion, but I'm sure there were some things that just didn't bolt right up.
By 314 - 15 Years Ago
top loader 3 speeds are common and will bolt up.you have to modify the clutch fork.the truck has a hugh imput shaft and throw out bearing.the throw out bearing you will be using will not fit the truck fork.and of course you will have to change your clutch.
By unibodyboy - 15 Years Ago
I had a T98 in my pickup, is that what you are referring to as far as original 4 spd, with compounded 1st?



Switched to a T5, worth every penny. I would suggest that at all costs.
By sc63uni - 15 Years Ago
thanks for the input.what I have is a 3 spd and dont think I want to change shifter and all that is involved to switch to a t5. found a tranny from a 67 f 100. seems to be the correct trans for the change. i'm finding the sync 3spd to have a smaller input shaft (1-1/16) compared to the 1-3/8 of the original. the clutche kits available locally for the smaller shaft are 11" not 12" so I'll need to have the flywheel drilled to match the pressure plate, i think . my flywheel looks fine so no need to replace. output seems easier. just modify mount and change yoke , shorten shaft. Is this correct? am I missing anything? thanks   
By charliemccraney - 15 Years Ago
If I were going to swap from a 3 spd to a 3spd, I'd do it only with something that will be a 100% direct replacement. Otherwise, it really is not worth the work. Everything you mentioned may have to be done. You're really only a few steps short of installing a 5 speed - you may find that you have to do all of the steps - and then after all that work you only have a 3 speed.

There must be a fully synchronized 3 speed that is a direct swap. I never ground any gears with my 3 speed, so I guess it was.
By sc63uni - 15 Years Ago
Hmmmn. Does anyone know of a fully sync 3 spd with a large 10 spline in the front? I believe that was an option in 63. really dont want to put shifter in floor but do want the most for my buck/time. thanks
By unibodyboy - 15 Years Ago
Would you consider a T98 4spd with compound low?



I've got one that was completely gone through that I would make you a hell of a deal on.
By John Mummert - 15 Years Ago
I think you'll find that the input shaft of any Ford transmission made after 64 is too short to work with a Y-Block TRUCK bellhousing. The only exception is the T-5. The Y-Block truck bells are deeper than a car bell. You can't use a T-10, Toploader 4 spd or any 65 later truck trans in a Y-Block truck. The input shaft will barely reach the pilot bearing.

I have had special flywheels made to make this work but they're too expensive for a 3spd to 3 spd conversion.

Unless there was an optional all sychro 3spd available and you can find one this will be a difficult swap.

By pegleg - 15 Years Ago
lowrider (9/29/2010)
I don't know all the particulars about doing the swap but I did run across a one done in a 57 Ford Custom 300. The guy changed the T85 for a toploader 3sp. He said it was mostly a bolt in conversion, but I'm sure there were some things that just didn't bolt right up.

 I have done this. The front bearing housing is bigger on the toploader three speed, the clutch plate will need to be changed to a 1 1/16"-10 and the depending on which box you find, the driveshaft will need to be shortened.