Best trans behind early hemi?

I really appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions. Yes, i do want to have a late 50's build...Yes, I do want a period correct trans...to me the details make or break the build. I am not knocking anyone elses opinions or rides. I will look into the cad/lasalle trans, I think it will fit the bill. thanks again to everyone for sharing their thoughts.

 

Sounds like a build worth sharing on a build thread, if you get around to starting one, at some point.

Trying to get all the details right, when using a less common running gear setup is quite the task. I suppose there will always be some compromises in certain spots, but they sure are a treat to look at, IMO.

Good luck on the chase. You might want to learn the search function on this site, to see what was used for old adapters for the different old transmissions,...and at some point pick one, and try to grab the parts as they pop up.

 

With luck...my only compromise will be a dual pot master cylinder

 

You don't have to use a Cad/LaSalle transmission. There were others just as good or maybe better. The reason that particular trans was so desirable, was that it stood up better to abusive drag racing type service. If you aren't into revving your engine and dumping the clutch at every stop light, banging shifts, and drag racing on weekends you would be just as well off with something like a Dodge transmission. It might even shift quicker, being a lighter transmission.

Not sure what 3 speed they used behind Dodge V8s in the fifties and sixties but would expect it to be cheaper and easier to find than the Cad/LaSalle.

There was a version of the Ford top loader trans used in Jeeps. They have been used in hot rods because they have the same style shifter as the 30s cars. This would give you the look and feel you want and a very good transmission too.

 

Ha, I went dual also, but...one side is the clutch . It shows on the firewall, so I can't use a dual brake cyl...I just can't...

But I had to make a few compromises here and there, but at least the will was there. It's not all that easy to build what they built, if you use the less common engines and whatnot. Sometimes something just won't fit as planned.

 

Tell me more

 

Was that in a '47 2dr sedan? 'cuz in about '65 or '66 I bought such a car in Falmouth, M***. 331 extended bell Hemi, 2-4's on a Edmunds intake, '37 LaSalle trans. Drove it from M***. to Colorado in '67. (gas was cheap then!) Great, great car.

 

Basically Ford came out with a manual trans of their own in (I think) 1962. It was called the top loader because it had a removable plate on top to install the gears, where most others had a plate on the side.

First made as an all synchro 3 speed, they also made a 4 speed version. Used in Ford cars and light trucks until the early 80s, I think Granadas were the last car to use them.

Jeep used a version of this trans in the late 70s and up to about 86. It was unique because it had a special top plate with the shifter and shifter forks on it. In the Jeep it looked just like a prewar floor shift car with the shifter sticking up out of the trans, not like a later floor shift with the linkage on the side.

Most of these were made for 4 wheel drive which means the trans is made for a transfer case. BUT the Jeep top plate and shifter will bolt right on a Ford trans.

So, some guys used the Ford trans with Jeep top plate in their "traditional" hot rods. It has the same appearance as the prewar Ford or Cad/LaSalle or any 30s floor shift.

A quick search for Jeep top loader will turn up all the info you need.

 

Rusty,you sure about Jeeps? I'm thinking the Ford full size Bronco had a top mounted 4 speed OD and maybe a 3 speed.I don't see Jeep using a Ford toploader on any data bases.many B/W types and a Tremac 4 speed.Might be AMC car?

 

The Jeep trans is, I believe, called a T-150 and is a Borg Warner unit. And the Ford transmission referred to was not made by Ford, but Borg Warner, and is a T86. I recently sold one that was removed from a '63 Galaxie.

The Jeep shift towers are not usually easy to come by, but they do show up from time to time. Occasionally on ebay and I have seen a very few at swap meets. But as noted, the best place to look is 4x4 venues.

Ray

 

Some years ago there was some consumable part envolving Ford ******s, that was out of production & replacement parts were getting scarce. Word got out that the part was the same on Jeeps. Can't remember what though, but some parts evidently interchange.

 

T-150 yes,ok for moderate V-8 power. I believe the T86 was a typical Ford car ****** for smaller engines,FE's probably got the stronger T85?

 

A page about top loader transmissions. They were used in Ford pickups as well as Ford cars and Jeeps. The pickup version seems to have heavy duty bearings and maybe other parts as well. So don't overlook that rusty 72 pickup truck next time you are at Pic a part.

http://www.5speeds.com/toploader.html

There was another thread on the subject a while back.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10237

I realize these top loader boxes are no longer so easy to find, but might be easier than a 37 LaSalle.

 

amc used the ford 3 spd toploader with
overdrive gearvendor started with converting
amc,s denormanvil overdrives
dont remember the year ford started
to use the 3 spd but 4 spd i think was 65

sorry 64 was the first year for both 4 and 3 spd
toploader they are coded RUG or HEH if i
remember right and have same boltpatern
as manual fordtrans from 49

 

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I wasn't recommending the T86.....I was attempting to offer correct information about the trans that had been introduced into the discussion. But you are correct, the T86 is not a HD trans. It has been around a very long time in one form or another from at least the late '40s I believe.

You are correct that the T85 would be a significantly better choice for a 3 speed. It was used from at least the early 50's on Lincolns and in T-birds, Mercurys and Ford with 312 engines.

Also, Ford used them behind the FE's as you correctly point out. They also were used in Pontiacs in the early/mid 60's (about '63/'64 IIRC).

They also were available with the stronger R11 overdrive unit. That would make a particularly sweet combo for a "late '50's build".

And, for the most part, they have the '49 / '64 Ford bolt pattern. There were adapters for the early Chrysler hemis to that trans bolt pattern.

Might check with Belmont Speed Shop on the East Coast. They deal in lots of older speed parts.

Ray

 

The T85 is very strong, I have one behind my 392! I used two adapters. Offy from hemi to early Ford, then ealry Ford to 49 to 64? Ford. Adapters from long bell hemis to early Ford are out there, from there there lots of options. Flywheel ,clutch,and cover all require doing your homework! Pilot bearing will need to be custom, all match ups and clearances need special attention. Good Luck

 

It's a Jeep top on a Ford Bronco three speed in mine. And that's a great combo. Mines behind a Blown 331 in a '33 Ford. I can't wait to punish it.


Tim

 

He's correct... they used a top loader. So did GM for their 3 speeds for a few years in muscle cars.

 

My earlier comments were from the "Hemi to early Ford" only view point!

 

The french Facell used the hemi with a
pont-a-mouson or something like that
aluminium fourspeed same gearbox in
the french Ford Comete
was a popular hotrod trans in sweden
in the 50-60s but hard to find today

 

I have a nice old adapter you might want . It's for a hydromatic up to 1955 or the old B&M hydro .