My buddy with a 55 customline 272 would like to swap his non synchro 1st 3 speed on the column for a full synchro 3 speed using the existing shift on the column.What is the first year that used a full synchro transmisission that will fit without doing any mods or what will interchange from a later model with minimal mods? 

  

I used a top loader three speed that came out of on Ozzy 68-9 Falcon. Apparently Mustangs of about the same era or earlier used them. Had to cut a bit off the front shaft as it it was too long. Bolted straight up. The box has eight mounting holes and four of them line up. You use two top inner mounting holes. A bit of a PITA as there is limited clearance. The rear crossmember had to be drilled to fit the later engine mount. Last of all a new tailshaft had to be made as the gearbox is shorter, but your choice of tailshafts in the US may be better to find one that's right.

Certainly a really robust box that allows you to keep the column shift.

Regards

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

Mark, I just put a Mustang 3 speed toploader in my 55Vic, as Rick said, a direct bolt up, 3/8 off the shaft, a little mod on the tranny xmember, a 57 inch driveshaft had to be made up and a trick u-joint for the rear. I had to modify the shifter mount on the tranny and used a Hurst shifter handle to clear the seat. So far I like it. Gary

       

Gary, 55 Vicky, St. Germain, Wisconsin

 

I have one that I had in a 1955 T-Bird. I don't remember that I had any problems with installing it. It has a different spline and front and rear which I replaced the clutch plate and yoke and made it work. I would be interested in selling it for $200.00 but not interested in trading it. I could bring it to Columbus with me. I live in northern Illinois.

  Vic Correnti

Thanks for the input.Would only do it if the column shift can be retained.

  

First used in 1963. Big block trans should bolt right in. May need to switch the clutch disk. On my '57 the driveshaft yolk fit. '55 may need to switch the yolk. Small block trans will need the input shaft shortened slightly. Big block has taller ratio in first gear. Small blck has lower first gear that will take off from stop sign better but there is a wider gap between the gears. Big block trans will hold up to a lot of horsepower. The small block trans can be broken if you have a high horsepower engine and push it hard. The small block trans will hold up fine on a low horsepower engine and if you do not push it extremely hard.