Put a toploader in Raceron's '56 without too much trouble. If I remember, it sat well on the original trans support with the proper mount. I made an access plate in the trans hump to get at the two top trans mounting bolts. Had to machine the OD of the front bearing cap on the trans to fit the bellhousing opening. Also watch the length of the pilot on your trans and make sure it doesn't bottom in the crank recess before the trans mounts flush. Sometimes you need to cut about 1/4 - 3/8 inch off the end for clearance.
Like Sweatdreams says, its easy to ruin a trans if the shaft is too long. I mocked mine up with no clutch, then put a mirror and a trouble light in the holes to check pilot length. To shorten the shaft, wrap it with a wet rag and use a small grinder and go slow. I ground mine back to the end of the bevel, then made a new bevel. While mocking up, never force the bell housing bolts tight. You can break an ear real easy.
Put a top loader in my 55, streetdreams & Ole don are spot on. 3/8s inch off the end of the shaft, 67 Ford 10 inch clutch and pressure plate. I flipped my ****** mount over, did some fabs to it and it works great. Had to style my own linkage mount as the top loaders is at the rear of the tail shaft, but the Hurst works great now. Gary
I have a top loader in my Oz Mainline ute. Bolted straight up to the bell housing. An absolute pita to get the top bolts tight, very cramped up there and I made a short ring spanner to tighten it. You will need to change your speed cable. I have in the past just grafted one from the donor car onto the original and used it like that for years, though Mustang/Falcon cable up to about '68 should fit on both ends. My box even fit the original clutch, though I too had to cut a bit off the end of the input shaft. The expensive part of this swap is the tail shaft. I had to get one made up to fit as you will need a longer shaft. My setup is a three speed and even connected up to the old 3 on the tree linkage.
That's good info fellas . I have a stubby input shaft can I place the beating over the shaft to measure it and hopefully you guys have a picture or 2 of the build , another thing is what Hurst shifter can I use with the bench seat?
I have similar swap to Rick55 in wifeys '55 Ranchwagon . 3 speed Toploader out of early mustang, uses stock Y block bell with 2 holes re-drilled , retubed mustang driveshaft ( wagon has mustang 8 inch rear also) , stock clutch Z-bar , modified trans crossmember to take mustang trans mount. Shifter is a vintage "Impala" brand inline shifter which clears the stock split bench just fine . [/IMG] [/IMG] .
Okay fellas, I finally got around to working in this. My Trans is on the bell housing machining done to snout. The tag i.d on the tabs was missing but it had 390 and 66 write on it. Is there another mod to do to the splined gear or is it ready to install?
Also guys the p***enger bell housing has a different fork. Sits on a tab inside, it floats over it, meaning the 2 contact points do not touch the side holes on the side of the fork is something wrong?
The fork should be clean of dirt and rust, lightly greased where it touches the fulcrum, and it should only touch the linkage on the outside. It left the factory with a spring loaded leather boot, they are very expensive now, and IMHO are not needed unless you drive on dirt or gravel. I like the color of the Aussie Y.
I think that you are telling us that there isn't an ID tag rivetted to the p***. side of the trans case. If the trans does have a 390 input shaft, that might work in your favor as the 390 input is the same diameter and spline as the small block, but 1/2" (approx.) shorter! Your statement about the fork is unclear. Are you referring to the pivot on the inside of the bellhousing? There are two types of pivot- the early has a wider fulcrum with two small 'nibs' on the edges, and the fork is held on with a separate spring clip. The later type is a narrower fulcrum with a slot in it- there's a corresponding spring clip rivetted to the fork that holds it onto the fulcrum. As long as you match pivot styles tou should be ok...
Sorry about the delay getting back to you , I really appreciate the wisdom. now i got the bellhousing on the trans but the clutch fork that came with it was not attached . i have to say that with the fork doesn't seem to just lay on the bracket in the bellousing ( two rivets 90 degree angled bracket) is there a pin or spring that goes into the holes in the fork . it's a little confusing thanks troy ps can someone pm me about how to upload images to this if i could figure that out i could illustrate.
I think that thing is a spring I'm looking for, I looked it up in the Ford master parts book and it says it was only available on 49-52 anyone know what this is and where I might get one? Thanks Troy
Ya know the spring thing that goes here ? thanks guys following this I'm still learning . Thanks Troy[/IMG]
I think this is what goes in those holes and keeps the pivot groove in the fork on top of the edge of the pivot attached to the bellhousing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-1968-M...Parts_Accessories&hash=item19cd9980c9&vxp=mtr I don't know who sells them, there were a couple on Fleabay...
Mj is correct. Price seems a little steep, got three at The Ford show in Columbus a couple years ago for a buck a pop, but times and prices change. That is the part needed, however.
I got a lead on a bellhousing with a fork from 59 ranchero bout an hour from my hoss I'll see what that's like. By the way this guys got alot of stuff anyone need any special stuff I can keep my eyes open while I'm here. Troy
Success I have found the spring visit to my local junkyard and found bellhousing fork spring for 35 $ not too shabby Troy
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