Does the shifter or transmission determine the shift pattern? I have a 1967 4-speed top-loader from a ford Galaxy and reverse is left and up. A mustang top-loader is left and down and the Jeep CJ T-176 is right and down. Will I end up with reverse right and down? For those looking for a T-176 tower, I googled jeep salvage yards and found one for 75.00 $. Thanks for any information!
The trans works the same between Mustang and Galaxie, the lever on the reverse fork is flipped for the different shifters. The Ford trans should match the Jeep shifter pattern. Ford sold the toploader design to Tremec, who made the T-176 for Jeep. I doubt they would have changed how the reverse idler moves.
It will be Right & Down with the Jeep T-176 Shift housing. I have this setup. Also, 75 bucks is a good price. I think I paid 125 with the shift lever. They're getting hard to find
Thanks for all the post! Now I will remove the transmission and start the conversion to the T-176 shifter.
I am in need of the article for the t-176 conversion of the Ford top-loader, digital copy preferred. The transmission has been dis***embled and I am ready to modify the main case. Pictures of the case modifications would also help. Great forum and hot-rodders! Ray
There is another article on this swap in the September 2004 issue off Street Rodder. The ****** determines the shift pattern. I'm using it on the 3speed + overdrive version of the top loader and since sliding the forward fork forward gives a direct 1-1 coupling, this becomes third gear and what would be third in your ****** becomes overdrive. I get a really dumb shift pattern but yours would be fine. In the article, it says that parts can be obtained from webmaster@davidkeetoploaders. Can't confirm that since I found used parts and got the shift lever from JC Whitney
I have one of these shifters on my 66 mustang top loader 4 speed. I have never pulled a ****** apart before but I did this one and did the modifications required at the same time. I bought a rebuild kit from David Kee top loaders and it came with instructions on how to dis***emble the transmission. The modifications were to remove the side shift arms and plug the holes in the case. Clearance the upper part of the case between a couple bolt holes where one of the shifter forks hits the side when dropping the cover/shifter on. You can see where that has to be done by using the original Jeep gasket. Other than that clean real well and re***emble using the parts in the rebuild kit. Only weird tools I can recall were large snap ring pliers which I borrowed. Reverse is over to the right and back. First through fourth is the normal pattern. I have the old hot rod article in pdf format here somewhere if you need it. Hit me up with a PM and I'll find it and send you a copy.
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