Projects flat head with truck bellhousing

I have an 8ba flathead and it has a truck bellhousing that says 49-53 merc on it in marker.

Any reason not to run a truck trans in an A-V8 coupe?

I have heard the gearing is a bit lower. I plan on large rubber rake so this may be a benefit.

I have an open banjo rear with 4.10 gearing. I would like to find a good open driveline 4 speed.

 

1st gear in those trucks is pretty worthless. Especially in a light car.

 

any difference in strength?

 

Any V8 ford trans will bolt to the adapter, you can also use an adapter from Cornhusker to install T5, I put a S10 T5 behind mine but the shifter interfered with the seat. You can buy 5 speeds with the shifters mounted in different positions.

 

The old 4sp toploaders are generally spur cut gears. So double clutching. 4th gear is still 1:1. Same length.

 

I heard the t-5 for the truck has the shifter forward and the one for the cars has it on the rear.

 

Vanpelts has a bunch of info on the t5.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/t5_fivespeed.htm

 

I really did not want to run something that new. although and overdrive would make cruising nice.

thanks for the link I will check it out

 

you can use the 3 speed truck transmission with no problems. HRP

 

You can also use a 49/50 Merc 3 speed or 3 speed overdrive with that bellhousing. Or remove that one and put a 49/53 Ford or 51/53 Mercury bellhousing on it and run a matching three speed or over drive three speed or I am thinking some Ford bolt pattern four speeds.

As HRP said the 3 speed truck box for an open drive 47/48 pickup will bolt right on.
The compound 4 speed will need a hogshead adapter to bolt on. That's a granny gear trans as someone else mentioned and not really what a guy with a hot rod wants to run.

You have lots of options to explore trans wise as long as you use the right bellhousing between the engine and trans.

 

thanks for the info guys.

I would be ok with a 3 speed esp if I could get an overdrive unit. I know someone that has one maybe I will put a bug in his ear. and see if I can get it.

 

I have a friend that uses the truck bell housing to adapt to Muncie/Saginaws. He uses a thick aluminum plate and machines the adapter. I have also run across one locally that he adapted to a 70's Ford truck transmission. He has been at this for a looong time and I could get the dirty details for you if you are interested. We are down in Roseburg if you would like to see them in person.

-Mitch

 

the 3spd od trans would be a good trans for the truck imho.