Much is made about the "bulletproof" luxury car transmissions from the late-'30s, especially the 1938 LaSalle box. From what I've read they seem to be the choice for running behind an OHV engine in that era. However, I can't help but wonder if this strength is only by comparison to the Ford 3-speeds of the time. Surely their ratios and strength pale beside something like a T-10 or a Muncie but are they stronger or weaker than the V6 S-10 5-speed from the early '90s. It seems to me that a modern truck trans would have the edge over even the stoutest of Depression-era boxes. Any comments/experience?
In the dark ages, a flathead dragster I crewed on had a Ford side shift transmission. After breaking a few in short order, we installed a La Salle trans and never had another problem. I would be pretty impressed if you could find data to show it stronger than a top-loader Ford. It might be stronger than the T-5, though.
[ QUOTE ] . Surely their ratios and strength pale beside something like a T-10 or a Muncie but are they stronger or weaker than the V6 S-10 5-speed from the early '90s. It seems to me that a modern truck trans would have the edge over even the stoutest of Depression-era boxes. Any comments/experience? [/ QUOTE ] Considering the weight difference between an S10 and, say a Packard or LaSalle, I wouldn't be to sure about the T5 being stronger. Never used one, but I've heard some of those old boxes are practically indestructable.
The T5, even the V8 variety, are not very strong and the best is only rated at 300 lbs/ft torque. If you want a tough 3spd the Ford from the FE era is a great choice. They were offered factory even behind a 427. Ive come across several in the $25-50 range as they arent desirable by the racers or gold chainers.
286merc, about them strong ford 3 speeds, will any 3 speed from a ford from that era do or are some stronger than others? any casting numbers? i have a ford three speed to nailhead adapter. just wondering.
i also have a ford motorsport 5 speed with a 330 lb torque rating. also playing with the idea of adapting it behind the nailhead.
286merc, about them strong ford 3 speeds, will any 3 speed from a ford from that era do or are some stronger than others? any casting numbers? i have a ford three speed to nailhead adapter. just wondering. You have to go by the case ID metal tag which is on the front p***enger side riveted to the case. Good choices are the HEG series which were in 63-6 cars and F100/250. The - letter will tell the original application. These have the early small mounting pattern. Dont p*** up a p/u or van with a 240/300 six either, it was the MD option. My favorite is the RAT series, used 67-72 in just about anything; cars, P/u and vans. Early ones had the dual bolt pattern. Again dont overlook 6 bangers. With both there are different 1st gear ratios with the 6 bangers often having the lowest. The following has some good T5 torque specs and other stuff. http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1966/t5data.html
oh now im feeling really good about buying rockys lasalle set up behind the hemi... this is an cool post. tuck
The desirable late Ford three speed is the top loader. Related to the top loader four speed, and about as strong. Huge advantage is its sychronized low gear....... '63 and later.
Don't remember any talk about breaking a well put together LaSalle box. They were put behind the biggest motors of the day, didn't shift so fast by todays standards. As for Packard, had a 37 box behind a mild flathead (kept breakin Fords in 1958) hit somethin in the street and broke the drain plug out. Drove it for a couple weeks that way, until I J B Welded the hole shut. Filled it up, never a noise, they are tuff!!!........OLDBEET
The Ford HD trans is the strong one from the fifties, also used on some Lincolns and other makes. There were also more common light duty ones. The HD is the BW T-85, identifiable by its curved-bottom side shift plate exactly like the T-10 four speed. The T-10 was actually based on the T-85. Ford used it in police, big-block, and other HD applications. OD was available on this trans.
286merc, arent the S2D overdrive trannies (like I have in my 31) pretty much the same ****** as the Ford? According to some of the parts books I have, most internals will interchange with the FE-era Fords. Just wondering what you knew about them. Ray
[ QUOTE ] 286merc, Dont p*** up a p/u or van with a 240/300 six either, it was the MD option. My favorite is the RAT series, used 67-72 in just about anything; cars, P/u and vans. Early ones had the dual bolt pattern. Again dont overlook 6 bangers. With both there are different 1st gear ratios with the 6 bangers often having the lowest. [/ QUOTE ] So, the ol' 61 and 63 Econolines sittin on the back of the farm would have decent trannies as well? Damn...learn something new everyday
Hey Ray where you been hanging all these months; hear rumors all you play with is the Nailhead forum! Yeah, Stewed and Packard outsourced to BW for their stick and OD stuff in those later years. Funny what you find in Econolines, I got a RAT as well as a 3.50 9" locker out of a 63 with a 170! Check the data plates for the 1 ton suspension option package. Anything from 63 foreward is the 9 bolt toploader which is the one built by Ford, not BW. That is the strongest of the era and is the one the Ford built 4 spd toploader was based on, not the BW. The early ones or the dual pattern will bolt to a Y Block or even a flatty with minimum h***le. Earlier trannies are OK but nothing to get excited about; there is a 5 bolt toploader and a side loader that go back into the 50's, they all had weaknesses. Speaking of 4spds, Ford used the BW on early FE's 60-64 but after that it was relegated to the light duty SBF and 6 bangers. The Ford built RUG code was then used on FE and high output SBF. My BIL couldnt keep a BW together in his 63 406 Galaxie and finally went with the Ford built. Hey, are you ever gonna get me a shipping price for those bumpers or am I gonna have to drive out there again? Not much going on here, at -22F cant heat the shop well enough to want to work, so I stay home and do little **** in the ba*****t.
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