Y-block transmisions

[Fordication]

What modern transmissions will fit a Y-block motor in both automatic and manual. Without having to purchase an adapter that cost over $300. Ed

[312]

the fmx will fit with a little work.it was used from 67 to the early eighties.any stnd,will fit up till the t5.all will require a little work.

[kens64]

What type of work is involved? Anything have to be fabricated?

[312]

with stnd,it,s mostly driveshafts.with the fmx it,s to bad you couldn,t get hold of a copy of sept,99 street rodder .it has the whole thing in detale.

[pcmenten]

I believe that there are three, maybe four, bellhousings for the Y-block; two are standard transmission bells, and one is for the FordoMatic (FM). One of the standard transmission bells might fit up to a toploader or a T-10. Your transmission choices are T-85 and T-86 with and without overdrive, T-98 (granny low), and the FM. The FM can be adapted to the FMX and that's a pretty reasonable choice. That might be the most modern of transmissions.

Do a google search and you'll find articles about what it takes to adapt the FMX to the FM bellhousing.

[Fordication]

I have been looking but I just cannot part with $700 to go more modern. Are any of those manuals 4 or 5 speed manuals. I have a 3 sp OD manual now and want more of a modern feel. Ed

[pcmenten]

Ed, I think the bellhousing that fits to the T-18 will take either a toploader or a T-10. If it takes the toploader, then it will take the RUG version of the toploader; a four-speed overdrive transmission.

Hold on, I'll go look at some of my stuff to see what fits.

Ok, here's a news flash. My RUG case has a pair of bolt holes at all four corners. One set of holes lines up with the holes on a 3 speed bellhousing!!!! I'm shocked!

Just to be clear; it looks very much like you can use a 4 sp overdrive RUG toploader transmission as a replacement for the stock 3 speed. Pictures available upon request.

Tomorrow, I'll dig out a Chevy T-10 and see if it fits up to the T-18 bellhousing.

[Fordication]

Ok what the heck is a RUG and please tell me more. 4 spd overdrive? Is that 3 gears then an overdrive or 4 then and overdrive. What is a t-18. Ah shoot more searches coming up. Ed

[pcmenten]

Ed,

I don't remember what in particular the letters RUG stand for, but those letters are used to identify a version of the toploader transmission that is an overdrive trans; the high gear is overdriven. Third gear is the direct drive (1:1), and fourth is overdrive.

I have a NOS RUG case and it has two bolt patterns drilled, and one of the bolt patterns fits the T-85 3sp transmission bolt pattern perfectly. I can post pictures on my forum if that would clarify things.

Right now I wish I had a truck V8/3sp bellhousing. I've got three 4sp, one Fordo, and a FE/4sp truck bellhousings (plus the 223/3sp that's in the truck right now).

Edit; I forgot to describe the T-18; it's a 4sp with a granny (spur cut) first gear. Shifter on the top, a common option for light duty trucks.

[Fordication]

Ok so this T18 or T19 should bolt right in then? Now that is interesting. I have seen pictures of a T5 bolting in after some mods but according to many the T5 is not that great a transmission.

[pcmenten]

Ed.

Yes, the T-18 four speed is a factory original option on F-100, F-250, F-350 and standard equipment on F-500, F600, and F-700. Must be a strong bugger. I'll repeat myself so that we're clear, the T-18 has the spur-cut granny-low (6.40:1) first gear and a direct drive fourth gear. I've been offered T-18's for cheap but I already have one and I don't think I'll ever use it.

I do have the bellhousing(s) for it.

The usual T-5 is rated for 265lb/ft of torque. If driven hard, the stock 302HO will break it. There are versions capable of 300lb/ft; they have a different gear set in them.

-Paul

ps. I might have a line on an entire RUG 4sp.

[Fordication]

Ok I am confused. What is the RUG 4 number. I thought it was the T18. Is it the T19 or another transmission. Will the stick be in the correct place in front of the seat or is it like some of the others the stick is under the seat. Ed. Let me know about that Rug 4sp please. Ed

[pcmenten]

Yup, I've confused you. My apologies.

The T-18 is a factory original four speed. The RUG is not a T-18, it is a very different transmission from another era, the 80's.

The T-18 is a standard truck transmission. Strong as heck, spur cut first gear, syncro in 2nd through 4th gear. Fourth gear is direct drive; 1:1. Normally people start out in second gear unless they've got a load or they're pulling a trailer.

The RUG is not the same as a T-18. The RUG was installed in some Ford cars in the late 70's and early 80's. It is a four speed with fourth gear overdriven. Third gear is direct drive 1:1. It has a bolt pattern that will fit up to the bellhousing for the 3 speed manual transmission found in many 50's F-100s. The shifter is slightly back from where the T-18 shifter would be. A person would want a shift lever with an offset to help with seat clearance.

[Fordication]

Ok I am game. Where do I start looking and how much should it cost. ed

[Dino@his Dad's]

Fordifacation, how about a Clark 5spd ? There were 5spd Clarks offered in some of the bigger ford trucks. I believe they were the 260 series. They feature a low first gear, 6 1/2~7 to 1, and direct drive in 5th. 1st is made with straight cut gears, like alot of truck trannies. DF, @ his Dad's house