I have a 3 speed standard trans behind a 292 with a 322 rear from an auto. This is a great combo for cruising but have to ride the clutch a little on take off. I would like to change the trans to a later model 3 or 4 speed with a 1st gear that is lower than the original 2.57 and also syncro would be nice. Does anybody know what would work for me. thanks..Dave

SE Wis

Hi Dave,  You might get a wide ratio top-loader 4 speed, they have a first gear of 2.78.  Not a huge difference but they are all syncro and the extra gear is nice.  I put one in my '57 T-Bird which still has the Fordomatic 3.10 rear axle, not too good off the line but usable.  These transmissions were used in the 60's and 70's and are quite strong.  Don't get the close ratio version, they have a 2.32 first gear.  If you make the swap, be sure to check the length of the input (pilot) shaft, it will probably be a little longer than your 3 speed.  You don't want it to bottom out at the rear of your crankshaft, will cause serious engine damage.  I had to cut about 5/16" off of the end on the trans that I bought.  Also the speedo cable will probably enter the trans on the opposite side when compared to your 3 speed, which requires a new plastic gear with the teeth going the other way.  There's an article about such a swap in the Mar-Apr 2004 issue of Y-Block Magazine, issue #61.  Good luck, Nick Brann - K.C., MO

A toploader 4 speed ford from the mid to late 60s wide ratio should work well giving you a first gear of 2.78, and give you a fully synchronized shifting ability on all gears and the transmissonn is alot stronger than the one you have now.You'll have to cut the bearing retainer down to the size on the 3speed and shorten the input shaft for the pilot bearing so that it won't bottom out into the crankshaft.

-Gary Burnette-

You may have to alter the drive shaft length when you do the swap.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks for the info on the 4 speed toploader. Is there a way of knowing what vehicles used the wide ratio trans. Also is there a 3 speed trans available with a low 1st gear and syncro if I should decide to keep my column shift.

SE Wis

I have a toploader 4spd in my 55 Bird and I think it came out of a 65 289 Mustang. It's the wide ratio 2.78 first gear and the stock Dana 44 rear with stock gears. Really happy with it.

Bud in Northern Arizona on route 66 in Winslow (standin' on the corner)

If you're American, buy American

631/2 Galaxie 500XL 406   55 T-Bird

I think T85 and T86 3 spds had a 1st gear around 2.78.


Lawrenceville, GA

for information on toploaders including identification information go to David Kee's wedsite on toploaders http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/  or see toploader heaven at

http://www.toploaderheaven.com/.  Lots of informatiion on these websites.  I bought the rebuilt kit from toploader heaven and rebuilt one without any problems.  These are very strong transmission and work well. 

For the ’57 cars, the six cylinder 3 speed trans had a 2.84:1 low gear.  If going through shop manuals for the mid Sixties cars and pickups, some fully snychronized transmission options with as low or even lower low gears may be found.

 

As a general rule, the small block toploader four speeds were a 2.78:1 low gear while the big block four speeds were a 2.32:1 low gear.  The 2.78:1 low gear four speeds were more easily recognizable in that the pilot on the input shaft was longer and needed about 3/8” chopped off to make these trannies work behind a Y or big block application.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks for the info. I never thought of looking in old shop manuals. I do have some old Motors manuals which would probably have gear ratios in there and whether or not 1st gear is syncro. Can I assume that the bolt patterns are the same and only have slight modifications like cutting off the input shaft and bearing retainer if needed.  Thanks again.  Dave

SE Wis