Hi all, I have a 52 F2 with a heavy duty 3 speed and I am kind of wanting to go to a 4 speed. How big of a truck would have a transmission that will bolt right in like I'm sure a F3 would bolt in how about an F4, F5, or F6. Just wanting to go to a 4 speed and want to know what my options are. Thanks for your time, Dennis

I am kind of looking for a flathead 8 and going to get rid of my 215 OHV 6 cylinder.

 

Ahhh... you really don't want to do that.

Of course that is just my opinion, but I feel pretty sure you will tire REAL quickly with the four-speed.

While finding and swapping out the trannies would be relatively easy (the four-speed was optional in the F-1, and standard in the F-2 through F-6 including the C.O.E), they, well... quite frankly suck to drive. You see, the 4-speed is a spur gear transmission, and as such, it don't got no syncros. Which means you have to learn how to double clutch to shift the gears. In stop and go driving in heavy traffic, that means innumerable pumping motions of the pedal, and a wobbly leg after about 30 minutes of such stress. Besides, low gear (first) is only good for plowing and uprooting sequoias.

Again, just my opinion.

By the way, the 4-speeds are pretty easy to find, as there were many more of them made than the heavy 3-speed. During the 49-51 period, the heavy 3-speed was an optional only transmission if I recall correctly, and not standard on any models.

J.D.

 

I'll ditto everything J. D. said, and add that the "Synchro Silent" T-98 4 speed that was available in the bigger trucks is a longer transmission and would require frame modifications to work in your F-2. Some guys switch to, I think it's called a T-5, 5 speed from a Chevy S-10 pickup. If you do this I claim first dibs on your stock 3HD since it appears you live close by in MO. Stu

 

Hey, you could try a B-W t-18 trans. They are a synchronized 4-speed, and are pretty much identical(i havent found a difference besides the shifter and the housing cover.) I have one out of an '84 F150 that i was going to put in my F5, but i decided to keep the original B-W t59 un-synchronized 4-speed. The t-18 will bolt right up to the flathead, except for ya need the stock bell housing off a t59. im not sure if the bellhousings on the 3-speeds are the same athe on the 4s. not sure about the clutch and splines though. i only tried the trans on the engine.

 

Thanks alot for the info. I have always been a Chevy man and I know them real well but I see this old truck thought I had to have it. I like about anything from the 50's. I love sights like this one where I can ask and learn. Thanks for your help and have a great Thanksgiving, Dennis

 

Hi Stu, thanks for your input, every little bit helps me make up my mind as what too do. I am wanting to change my truck from a 6 cyl (215) with three speed to a V8 with a 4 speed. This will be the first time I have tried this so any info people give me will help out. When I figure out what i'm going to do I will let you know the three speed if for sale if you are interested. Thanks and enjoy your Thanksgiving, Dennis

 

Hi Mark, thanks for the info, I am wanted to upgrade to something that is full synchronized but I know very little about the fords and I've never built mounts or anything but would love to up this truck but I really want to say with the stick shift. Thanks and enjoy Thanksgiving, Dennis

 

If you are dead set on a four speed then get with Chuck from Chuck's Trucks. He knows how to install the four speed transmission from an 80's pickup where fourth is overdrive. I think he has a jig needed to weld up a rear motor mount so this bolts in.

 

My question would be; what do you expect to gain by trading your 3 speed for an old truck style 4 speed? 1st gear is extra low, commonly called granny gear because grandmas walk about as fast as the truck will go in that gear, and is never used unless you're trying to move a really, really heavy load from a dead stop. You really only use 3 gears anyway, so it's not a step in a beneficial direction.

 

I guess I was wanting a transmission that I can down shift into low with out coming to a full stop. I want to put a V8 in it and dull ext because I like to down shift and listen to the pipes (music to my ears). I just don't know Fords that well and looking for a little input and if there was something thqt would bolt right in. I thought the old 4 speeds would pull down into 2nd with no grind or coming to a full stop. Thanks for your time, Dennis

 

Hey Dennis,
I took a look at your gallery - beautiful truck! You don't need
to change much in that beauty.

What are you looking to do? Highway speed with decent rpm's?
More acceleration & HP? Personally I'd go with the chevy 5 speed
mentioned up above but not sure about putting it behind a flathead V8.
If you are set on changing out your drivetrain to get something smoother to drive - why not go more modern with your engine choice? 289/302/351W?

Just trying to get a better vision of what you are shooting for....

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I'm in agreement with all here on this. I took the 4 spd rock crusher tranny out of my 49 F3, and put in a 1982 Chevy T5. It drives great! I used the adapter kit from Speedway, but had to change over to a 10.5" flywheel (also from Speedway).
Sam

 

Hi Mark, thanks for the info. You have a great idea there. You say the tranny will bolt up to the bell housing, right. did you happen to measure the mount for the bell housing to the center of the real mount bolt holes. I've never done this before so it's going to be a learning experence for me. I'm trying to make this as easy as possible. I know you can pull the tranny out of 40's chevy bell housing and bolt in an 80's or 90's model but I need help the the fords, all new for me. Thanks for your help and have a good one, Dennis

 

Hi Stu,
If I do up grade my tranny in my 52 I will give you first shot at the 3 speed if you are really interested. Thanks for your help, Dennis

 

Yeah, as long as it's the 3HD floor shifter I'd like to have it. When you get to that spot do me a p.m. and let me know what you want for it. I also mentioned your 215 to another member who I know needs it, but can't say whether he's a customer. Stu