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Just bought a 58' f100 223 with 3 speed borg has clifford intake and headers along with a holly 4 barrel ill post pics as soon as i figure that out. Trans first gear is clunky not sure if i should rebuilt it or upgrade? Any advice
Congrats on your '58. We had a '58 F600 on the farm, and I have always liked the look of those.
Your trans is non-synchro in first gear, and thus it will grind, even at a standstill. You will not be able to easily downshift it into first either, although with enough practice and rev matching, it can be done.
Try shifting it into 3rd, then 2nd then 1st when at a stop, or at least 3rd then first. This will stop all motion inside the trans. (the input shaft spins due to friction from the pilot bushing and sometimes a little clutch drag)
I'd say try 2nd, but remember, the 2nd gear synchro leads a tough life, so best try not to use it just to "still" the trans to make first easier to engage.
Your bell to trans is a "square", thus you need a trans with that square, or a later one that is drilled for both.
These are BW T85, 86, 87 model transmissions iirc, so those would be ones to look for.
If you are looking for a different trans, the T98 will have the square pattern also. Some other later transmissions have both patterns or can be drilled for the older pattern.
If you get a 63' or newer three speed, it will be syncd' in first gear. A lot less grinding. There are plenty of cluster gears out there if you want to rebuild your existing.
Thanks alot. I'm guessing the newer trans would not match my bell housing. Also do I have to tear down the existing trans to get the proper cluster?(count teeth)? Or can I use a part number?
If you get a 63' or newer three speed, it will be syncd' in first gear. A lot less grinding. There are plenty of cluster gears out there if you want to rebuild your existing.
There was a light and heavy in the F250, so you might look for the T89 also.
The Ford "303" top loading 3 speed came out in '63.
It may have had both patterns in the first few years of production. Not sure on that. When you are trans shopping, the difference in patterns will be clearly visible. There is a comparison here, with a trans that has both patterns:
Warner T-85 is an overdrive transmission. wasn't available until 1965, F100's only.
1957/60 F100: TRANS code stamped on Rating Plate:
A = Ford 3 speed manual light duty (no first gear syncro) / B = Warner T-86 3 speed manual with overdrive (no 1st gear syncro) / F = Warner T-98 4 speed manual / G = Ford-O-Matic (w/a 223 I-6).
Ford type 3.03 3 speed manual all syncromesh trans introduced in 1963.
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Bill // Retired Ford Parts Manager // SoCal Chapter member // Part Number Research: 1928/2001 FoMoCo vehicles.
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