I read an article quite a while ago about converting a Ford top-loader into a top shift style transmission with Jeep parts but now when I need the info I can't find it. After searching through my magazines for about a month (got side tracked a few times) with no luck I decided to ask for help. If anyone has done this before or knows how, I would really appreciate some help. .
I have a magazine article about it in the stash at my parents' house. I'll find it tomorrow and scan it for you.
Friend just did that, 33 plymouth sedan, 392 HEMI. Says, just slite modification is done, but the JEEP parts are hard to find.........OLDBEET
I'm gonna need a day or so, but I think I can scan in an old SR article I've got about that conversion. Hang in there!
Good luck finding the parts i ended up with two tops and one stick never been able to get another but it is worth the effort when done JR
[ QUOTE ] Good luck finding the parts i ended up with two tops and one stick never been able to get another but it is worth the effort when done JR [/ QUOTE ] what are the parts from? and what parts are required?
Flat Ernie has some info on this--scroll down to the end of this post: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=234131
Yep - Jeep CJ-7 shifter tower from a T-176 4-speed bolts in. Never done the conversion personally & after searching for the shifter tower for a long time, I've got a tower, but no shifter handle. Tough stuff to find for some reason. Check your local 4x4 junkyards... I can't find the article either...
it was in street rodder about 15 to 20 years ago. 60s style iron Ford top loader 4sp with a jeep shifter. jeep had the same trans but it was setup for a transfer case and top shift. Take out the shifting forks - plug the holes - install top shifter. Think there may have been some miner grinding for fork clearance cant remember. It was by Frank Oddo
296 V8 nailed it - you do have to remove the stock Ford shifting forks & plug the holes. If I recall correctly, there's a recessed set screw (from the top cover down vertically) that retains a spring & ball detent for the stock shift forks that you'll have to remove (I'm quite sure it's a socket head [allen]). You should be able to plug the holes with a bolt inserted from the inside with some sort of gasket under the head. As if finding the shifting tower wasn't enough, the price of toploaders has steadily risen and they're almost worth their weight in gold it seems...not exactly an inexpensive conversion. If that's not spendy enough, you could always use a Jerico - all aluminum for weight savings and NASCAR strong! I used to hang out with Dan Williams when he was in North Miami back in the 80s. Now I think Dave Kee builds them (toploaders) & Dan only sells parts. But Dan was the man & built them for all the NASCAR teams until Jerico came along & started building new ones.
Brxter the parts are from CJ Jeep and I still have the artical in street rodder somewhere sorry can not help much more but stay on the trail because it really works well and fast shifts good luck JR
Reading from Frank Oddo's book "Flathead V8 builders handbook" it says article was in 1990 December SRM. I quote. "64-73 4-speed toploader...trans was converted for use in utility Jeeps, early side shifts can be converted to a top-loader with a selector ***embly from Jeep parts dealers."
Viva La HAMB, Thanks to everyone who replied, and Thanks especially to Jim for E-mailing me the exact article I was looking for with a parts list. You guys are the greatest!!
Brickster, I am working on the same thing and am running into trouble finding the top shift portion or where to find it. Do you still have the article with the parts in it?
Try the SEARCH function; some good tech threads, recently, on this conversion. Also be prepared to do a search for the shifter. Check out the Jeep tech sites and yards. You want the T-150 shifter for a 3 speed t-loader, T-176 for 4 speed.
Not sure if these are the right parts or not. http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-transmission-parts/tremec-t176-t177.htm
Just an FYI You don't need the shift lever from the Jeep T-176/177. An early Ford lever will work just fine. You will need to find a Jeep lever to copy, then a bit of "black-smithing" on the shifter end and a second groove cut into the ball and you are done. Jim
Specifically which jeep trans is the shifter coming from, I have a trans/transfer case out of a Willy's pickup..
put a jeep shifter on a 3 speed ford trans, had to cut ,offset , and reweld both forks about an 1/8 inch. Have not used it but it sure shifts nice on the floor.
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