Early '80s four speed swap

[fonzf100s]

Hey guys, another trans question, I've got the '69 stepside w/ a '72 302 and a three speed, floor shift.. Anyone done a swap for an early 80's 4 speed OD manual transmission? just trying to figure a way to get an extra gear, without changing the whole drivetrain, my engine is strong. Thanks,

Ron

[NM5K]

Probably the "clark" 4 speed would be the easiest. Thats the one that was in 1980-?? trucks. Often with the 300 six, but probably 302's also, being the bellhousing is the same. A clark should bolt right up *I think*, but you might have to change/add a mount, and maybe add/trim the driveshaft.
I haven't heard of too many doing that exact swap, but surely someone has... I considered one myself, but being I have the f-250, I'd sorta rather get something a little more heavy duty, although for what I do, the clark would probably work. I'm only running a 300, and don't tow much, etc..
But I'd really want a heavier ZF 5 speed if I wanted something modern that's as beefy as my present T-18. MK

[dotcentral]

I wanted to put one of those in mine, but the only 4speed O/D's in my area were in 4x4's and had the wrong tailshaft. I've got a small block C6 I'll probably put in instead, but it might need rebuilt first. I'd consider trading it for the 4speed O/D. Maybe I ought to post an ad.

Weren't the late 70's to early 80's a funky sort of toploader instead of Clarks?

[fonzf100s]

Thanks guys, I would be anxious to hear from anyone who has done that swap, it just seemed like a logical thing to do to me in order to get the extra gear for mileage, rpm's etc.

Thanks,

Ron

[willowbilly3]

I think a little drive shaft work and go with this one. It probably won't get a bid at that price tho.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... AMEWA%3AIT

[fonzf100s]

Thanks man, just got back in town and missed the auction, but I saw a couple listed in salvage yards here in the area.

Ron

[willowbilly3]

There are 3 different versions of that o/d 4 speed and mainly it is just the shifter, although that one listed in the ebay auction has the aluminum case and the one with the 3 arm shifter (looks like a top loader 4 speed) is cast iron cast. Then there is the Tremec style SROD (single rail overdrive) and it has an itegral shifter but it is side mounted. Most of these only came with the small engines and are generally reguarded as weak but I know several people with the cast iron one and none ever had any problems. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to put one behind a 460 tho.

[fonzf100s]

Thanx, I appreciate the info guys.

Ron S.

[SVT522]

I put a late model truck 5-speed in my truck. (Behind a 5.0 Mustang engine.) It works great and the hydraulic clutch performs flawlessly! A wrote an article about it...but the other Ford-Truck site never posted it for everyone to share!

[NM5K]

I put a late model truck 5-speed in my truck. (Behind a 5.0 Mustang engine.) It works great and the hydraulic clutch performs flawlessly! A wrote an article about it...but the other Ford-Truck site never posted it for everyone to share! >>>>

Thats probably the route I will go, if I ever dump the T-18 for a ford ZF 5 speed, which is what I would prefer for the f-250. It uses the hydraulic clutch setup, and have wondered what is involved in rigging all that up in a 67-72...I may hit you up for that article some day... MK