I am restoring a 1960 Ford F-100. It has a 292 Y-Block that I am rebuilding. I am trying to decide what to do about a transmission. I was wondering if anyone had any input. I plan on using the truck for an every day driver. I went to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Henry</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ford</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Research</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Detroit</st1lace></st1:City> to look up information on transmissions, the transmission I have right now is geared low (it's for a work truck). So I am set on changing it. I just don't know what to change it too.

BMason

 

What is your rear end ratio? It may be just as easy to change the rear end chuck. If it's a Ford 9 inch, there's a lot of different ratios. It's a lot of work to swap a tranny for a late model setup. There wasn't much in the way of tranny options back then if you're looking for a "bolt up" deal. I'd look into a different rear end ratio to help on gas mileage.

Barry

50 F-1

 

As far as I know Ford 1/2 tons from 57 up had 9 inch rear ends and the 9 inch are very common. Easy to change the ratios, same gears as the Ford car rear ends. All common Ford transmissions have a 1 to 1 final drive ratio except the over drive models.

 

Not to get off topic, but My father and I are considering visiting the henry ford research center, was there alot of info and history for 1960 f-100's? Would like to know before we make the 3-4 hour drive. Thanks, -4speed

 

The Henry Ford Research Center had hour's worth of information. If you want to restore a truck to original specs, that's the place to go.

 

Thank you very much. Is this known as the benson ford research center? -4speed

 

Yes it's know as the Benson Ford Research Center. It's easy to get too as well.

 

Barry,

I don't know for sure what the gear raito is. I will find out though. What do you think a good raito would be? And, what should I look for in rebuilding the transmission? I believe the transmission number is C8.

 

Barry,

I don't know for sure what the gear raito is. I will find out though. What do you think a good raito would be? And, what should I look for in rebuilding the transmission? I believe the transmission number is C8.

 

In all the posts I dont see any indication WHAT transmission you have

ALL 1960 manual transissions are a 1:1 ratio in top gear. The 4spd has a real low first but the other 3 gears are the same as a 3 spd so you dont need first except for pulling stumps.

Altho 9" chucks are interchangable they are not all equal. In your case you require one to mate with 28 spline axles. The ratio is listed on a tag under a mounting bolt.

 

If you have a 4 speed, which I assuming because you say it's gear real low, it's a Warner T98A. Looking in my parts catalog, you probably have either a 3.70 or a 3.89 rear ratio. It might also be a 4.11 . What you need is some thing like a 3.00 or 3.20 or a 3.50 ratio. They were all available in later model trucks. The biggest problem would be the 28 spline gears. 9 inchers were available in 28 or 31 spline over the years. You can drive it as a 3 speed by skipping 1st gear. You won't hurt the clutch by doing that.

Barry

50 F-1

 

What you need is some thing like a 3.00 or 3.20 or a 3.50 ratio. They were all available in later model trucks.

I wouldnt want to run a standard shift with a 3.2 or 3.0 rear. Even with a truck clutch it will be lugging off the line.


The biggest problem would be the 28 spline gears. 9 inchers were available in 28 or 31 spline over the years.

Actually, the 28 spline is the most common as it was used in many V8 and some 6 cyl cars 57-78 and a few models until 80. Also F100-150 trucks from 1957 to around 83 and then again in the late 80's for a few years. Im not sure of exact dates. Also many E100-200 vans.
The 31 spline was used in the muscle cars and big block trucks/vans or with the HD axle option in Bronco, 4x4, etc. These are still in demand by racers and some ratios bring big bucks.
And as always with Ford there are exceptions; some 64-9 F100's had a HD rear with a non removable carrier; and some others including big block Birds, Lincolns and trucks used a 9 3/8" ring gear. Unless it was removed there is a tag under a carrier bolt with the code to ID all the removable carriers.

You can drive it as a 3 speed by skipping 1st gear.

Isnt that what I said?

You won't hurt the clutch by doing that.

Very true, Ive been driving my F350 that way for 5 years and the other owners also Im sure. Granny gear is seldom needed in a light (F100-350) truck even when working.

 

286 Merc

I think what he's saying is that he's trying to get away from the low gearing of the tranny and rear end but switching tranny's. I suggested a higher ratio to help ease it some, but you'll sacrifice some of the torque and power by doing so. It's geared as a work truck and it's really something he'll have to live with unless he does something radiical to change it. I reiterated your line about skipping 1st gear because I got the feeling he wasn't really listening to what was being said. Sometimes it's tough to take in all the information when you're being bombarded from many sides. I hope you're not taking offense to my repeating what you said.

Barry

50 F-1

 

Was a 5 speed with overdrive made for this year of truck? They were made for the 1950 F7 and F8. One was a direct 5th and one was overdrive. Both were options for the other according to my books.

 

Barry,no offense taken, sorry if it sounded that way. You should know me by now

As far as what he has Im clueless and dont wan to make assumptions with no data. Low gearing to one person can be just a typical light duty F100 to another.

And Chris, that Clark 5spd is not something you want to put in anything under a F500, it weighs about as much as an engine. We have them in a 56 F600 and 58 F800 I do work on. Straight 5spd, no OD but no problem cruising at 65 either with the 2spd axle.