I recently bought a 1975 Ranchero as a project, it still has the original 460, and c6 automatic. It already has a floor shifter setup, and I was thinking of swapping in a 4 speed. I could get a manual 4 speed out of an 86 f350 that was setup to a 460 around me for $200. I'm wondering whether that setup will work? Is the 4 speed from the 86 electronically controlled? Because if it is, I don't think that will work. My 460 only has an aftermarket intake and carb, so I think the 4 speed from an 86 will be able to handle it easily. Also the transmission is coming from a parts truck, so would it be a good idea to get the differential and driveshaft too? Any help is appreciated.

 

Just keep hitting the backspace key until this idea is allllllll gone.

First, the '86 F350 four speed--no manual four speed for that matter, with the possible exception of some later Corvettes with ODs and gear skip, have any electronic controls.

Tying for first is the fact that the four speed in question would probably be a T19. It is not a performance trans, it is slow to shift and the ratios are all wrong for a Ranchero.

And in a three-way tie for first is the fact that that transmission will not fit under the Ranchero. It would be like an ice berg--1/3 of it sticking up out of the floor, 2/3s hanging below, scraping on the ground over bumps and driveway ridges.

So, a more sensible alternative to this swap is to simply pour gasoline over the Ranchero, light it, and walk away. It will be just as useable as it would be with a T19 in it.

Also, the rear axle from an F350 under a Ranchero? Really?

 

All right, all right, all right. I really don't know anything about those transmissions, that's why I posted this. I have been looking over all the forums, and haven't been able to find a single transmission that Ford made that will fit. Other than brand new performance transmissions that cost $3500, appparently there's nothing that would even work with a 460, never the less a Ranchero. I'm just looking for something that will work. I'm not planning on making it into a race car.

 

Back to first things etc.

The C6 automatic in it is strong, can be made stronger, and add a shift kit and chirp the tires all the way to the tire store on even part throttle upshifts.

The 460, IF stock, even with the manifold and carb, is a pretty weak version and can be improved dramatically.

I like a manual, and in fact went out of my way to buy a pickup with one in '09. But the truth is, the automatic is quicker, smoother, faster to shift and easier on the rest of the drive train.

To convert yours to a manual, you would probably be best served with an aftermarket bell. Searching out a Torino or Mustang with a 429 4 speed will be tough. Very few built, and people have been going after them for 40 years.

For pedals, the '72 to '74 Rancheros had manual transmissions, the last 4 speed was behind the 351C. You might want the steering column too if you are going to all that work.

Once you have the pedals, you will have to figure out the clutch linkage. You may have to go hydraulic as your engine probably does not have a provision for the Z bar used with mechanical linkage.

For the transmission, the oem 4 speed was the Ford Top Loader, and you can find those for somewhere in the low to mid $2000 level here:

Toploader Price List

The days of a good working top loader at the scrap yard are over. All you can find are OD units from the early '80s. No good for a 460.

A T56 5 speed OD would be a bit more, but probably worth it IMO.

Cross member and drive shaft would have to be figured out as you go.

Is the floor shifter in your car OEM? Is this a nice, clean, mostly OEM vehicle? These are not top dollar collectible cars, but poorly done or mismatched mods drives the value only one way. And it ain't up.

Ford never offered a 460 with a performance 4 speed. All MT 460s are truck models, and afaik the only one besides the T19 is the ZF 5 speed. It too would have the "iceberg" fitment issue.

Ford did offer the 429 with a 4 speed in some cars, but they are rare and the parts are rarer still.

 

Other than a few bad modifications like shaving the door handles, spray painting the wheels and putting in different seats, it's entirely stock, and I'm trying to get it mostly back to stock looking. Except for the transmission, if i do swap it. It's pretty clean has a pretty new paint job.

The shifter is aftermarket (Hurst I think), and whoever did it, did an absolute hack job. That's why I am considering doing this swap. I want to kind of clean up the interior, and don't want to patch a 2x3 hole in the floor.

There's a few t56's around me for about $500 (need to be rebuilt) from 2000's Mustang Cobras, if that would fit that would be great. That would probably be a big improvement compared to that t19.

Also I am planning on keeping this car for awhile, so resale value isn't as important to me as having some fun with the car.

If that t56 will fit, then that is what I will probably go with.
Thanks for the help.

 

No 460 had a manual transmission until 1983, then only in F250/350's. This trans will not work in a Ranchero.

1970/71: The only years that the Torino/Ranchero was available with a 429 4 speed. The clutch linkage and brake/clutch pedal parts will not work in a 1975 Torino/Ranchero.

 

It won't bolt to a 460. Different bolt patterns.

There were 351C and manual trans through 1973. That should work in a '75. I had a 1973 Montego GT with a 351 CJ (Cleveland) and a toploader 4 speed.

 

Wow, this is shockingly difficult to find a transmission for a pretty common engine. Well if there really is nothing that will work, I guess this will be a complete failure as an idea. Still can't believe there's no options. Even a truck transmission that would fit? I would think there would be a few, judging that the c6 fits under there, which was used as a truck transmission?

 

Why would you want a super wide ratio, slow to shift truck transmission in a Ranchero? The C6 is a car/light truck trans. It was installed, without great success, in medium trucks for a short time. It is not as tall as the truck transmissions. Google some images and you will see what I mean.

And yes, there are manual transmissions that will fit. I gave you a link, or you can buy a T56 and make it work. Working performance transmissions are not found at the scrap yard at scrap yard prices. If you want a performance transmission, you will have to cough up some money. Far more money than a tune up and shift kit for the C6.

Another source for almost everything you would need:

TREMEC 5-speed 6-speed Transmission Conversion solutions Ford Mustang, Falcon, Cobra, Hotrod, GM Camaro, Chevelle, Tri-5, Mopar Muscle