I need a little guidance here as I don’t know my Ford products nor have I attempted this kind of a modification. So I’m looking to learn I have a 57 fairlane/y-block with an odd trans issue that’s giving me a runaround. Currently have a 3 speed side loader (on the tree) and was looking at some trans availability in my area. I found a couple sm435s, a potential SROD out of an 84 f150 (pending proper identification), several top loader 4 speeds, and a “3 speed w/ OD” out of a 77 maverick. I have not inquired about any of these yet but just wanted to see what the current market had to offer. All are priced under $500 except for the trans in the f150, would have to purchase the whole truck for that one. Out of these options what would be a fairly straight forward swap and should I assume I’ll need a new clutch disk, flywheel?, crossmemeber? Floor shift is in my mind but what about clutch actuation? What’s probably going to need to be acquired for that? Like I said, I’m not familiar with any of these parts or fords to be honest so some lingo is hard to follow and there are a ton of posts about truck y/trans swap threads and a lot of them seem to have incomplete or lots of alternative routes to take. I find it very confusing to know what to keep my eyes out for. I’m not opposed to a t85/od if anyone wants to sell one, but if I’m going to put more then a couple hundred into repair my current ford 3spd, I would like to consider 4 or 5 speed swap.
Look at Wikipedia for " List of Ford transmissions ". Practically any passenger car manual trans from early '50's to 1964 will fit your bellhousing. Some of the mid-60's have both the older and newer bolt patterns and those will work as well. The transmissions you mentioned are for later vehicles.
...and all the transmissions you mentioned, are 65 and later, so won't fit.... The 435 is a truck granny low gear 4 speed, you don't want that.
A lot depends on how you plan on using your car. Since it currently has an o/d trans I'm guessing a 4.11 rear end. Put a 4 speed non o/d trans and it should go like stink but be wound a bit tight at highway speeds. All the other o/d trans you talk about will be better for highway cruising but still allow for decent performance around town. I can't say about fitment but to me a T-5 would be the best of around town and highway cruising. HRP has a T-5 in his '54 Ranch Wagon so he might have some install thoughts although he has a 351 (or 302) Windsor not a Y block. Don't know if anyone makes an adapter for a late model standard trans to a Y block.
those 3spd / od truck trannies would jam between gears... there was no speed shifting with those... one must have the linkage almost perfect...
Any OD would be good if it fits and if electric all parts are there and work. Bolt pattern to the current bell housing AND the distance from the trans face to the end of the shaft is very close to the stock measurement. Different Splines on the discs are ez Anything you buy used maybe a bigger POS than you think you have now. I would take yours apart and fix it. There are many suppliers now for early Fords. An overhaul or Motors manual will guide you thru repairs.
Thanks all for the input. To refine some points, I currently do not have an OD. I’m not sure what ford called it but the case number is 1a-7006. Appears to be out of a 52-54 car. I have pulled the trans all apart to figure out why gears are hitting in neutral and at this point can only assume parts have been mismatched. All that can been seen here https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-3spd-diagnosis-help.1233828/ I also figured if I happen to go truck trans I would re gear the axle. But good to know none will fit. As far as the maverick trans goes. That’s how it was labeled. Looks like it has a third lever closer to the tail housing but that’s the only thing I can spot
Where are you located? I have a 3-speed OD out of a 56 that would be likely the easiest swap and I don't need an arm and a leg for it. However, if you are a long ways away, it likely wouldn't be worth the trip.
I put a mid 60's 4 spd top loader behind my 312 using the factory stuff. All I had to do was drill 2 holes in the flange of the trans for bolting it to the bellhousing ( I don't remember if it was the top or bottom ones). And slightly turn down the large OD of the front bearing retainer where it locates into the bellhousing.
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