The only way you are going to get rid of the "revving up" is to get a higher (numerically lower) rear gear. All transmissions, except for overdrives, are 1 to 1 in high gear. If you do lower speed driving, a overdrive (o/d) trans isn't going to do you much good as it won't go into o/d. Over 35-40 is when overdrives usually kick in on automatics. A manual o/d, such as a 5 speed will help. Everything you do, except for a stock manual or automatic trans, will not just bolt up. You will need an adapter kit. If you use a factory o/d, then there is a matter of the electrics, drive shaft. The later rears from F100's (9inch) have a good selection of rear gears available.
C-4's and TH350's are not o/d trans. The AOD's are the best bet for an overdrive.
lawdogg1 (1/31/2012)
Hi there. I have a 56 f100 with the stock 272 with the stock 3 speed manual transmission. I want to replace the tranny with an automatic either an original automatic ( which I hear are very hard to find) or a newer auto transmission. I want something that will bolt up with no alterations or very minimum alterations. My reason for doing so is because when I drive at about 40mph in 3rd gear it sounds as if im revving out already. Wil a 4 spd or auto change this or is it something that I need to change the gears out or both? but either way in the long run i would like an auto tranny. thanks guys any help would be great