Can a Ford 39 toploader handle a 327 SBC?

I had a 46 ford 2 dr sedan with a 327, and if I remember right a 39 trans with a enclosed drive shaft. I drove it daily for about 3 yrs with no problem, then broke 3 driveshafts in a month pulling in our driveway.

 

Thats the way we did it in the Day. Stock running gear with a ****** adapter. They made adapters for just about anything. We didn't put 9 inchers or S-10s in there because there weren't any......

 

back when these were just used cars, you could pick up another transmission for a few bucks in a junkyard, so guys used them. see what rebuilding one costs now and you might look for something besides that stocker!

 

what is so desirable about the 39 trans compared to any others Ford built??
Was going to run an early Ford trans in my tudor but considering its running a 364 Nailhead im leaning towards a 4spd toploader cause its gunna get ****!

 

Tradition!. For me part of the fun is driving like we used to. If I wanted to drive a race car I'd build one. I really enjoy driving my old car. No pressure. A relaxing drive. That being said my current ride has a T-5 in it. I dream of driving to Bonneville.

I still do not squeal tires at the stop lights.

 

Yes

 

Sure,a lot of us have used this combination.

It's just lie the early axles,,if you don't beat on it hard every single day they will last for years. HRP

 

Its been many moons ago, I think my buddys 36 hadn a 283 with top shifter with Zephire Gears. Seems like the cluster would always want to wear down. After many R and R of the trans and new gears. We little mental giants found out it was the third peddle from the left,was the problem.
Keep your foot out of it and it will be fine..

 

"Tradition!. For me part of the fun is driving like we used to."

Yep drive them like we used to...... maybe thats why I thought of using wing nuts on the trans in the 60's cause so many came out, so often....

hell now I use a 9" behind my flathead.................. because I still drive like I used to

 

So True !! Wings nuts now thats thought! Why didnt we think of that!!

 

Well, like most things, ya got everything from

to....

to....
"don't dump the clutch..." x 30....

 

If the "pleasure" of changing a clutch or transmission in a Ford closed drivetrain doesn't teach you respect for the strength/durability of the combination I suggest hitting your head with a hammer every couple of days just to remind yourself your still alive.

Frank

 

It's my understanding that the Lincoln Zephyr gears are no stronger than the Ford gears. Their desirability is due to the gear ratios of the Lincoln Zephyrs which is different from the Ford ratios.

 

They'll do well when handled with some finesse.... Clutch poppin' and snap shiftin' these boxes can do them in quickly, even behind a flathead.

4TTRUK

 

No it won't.

 

No one has said anything about tires, a 39 trans will last a lot longer with 6:00x16's than with big sticky tires.

 

Yeah a chain is only as good as it's weakest link! My 700-16s break loose long before any trans problems.