Has anybody here mated a T19 close ratio (4.02 1st gear) transmission to a 300 six inline engine that came originally with any other manual transmission? Was the swap straightforward or were any modifications needed?
I am debating whether to replace my 4 speed OD (SMOD, Code RUG) transmission in my 300-engine, highway geared truck (2.73 gear in 9" rearend) with a close ratio T19 (which I could get for less than $200) or just replace the rear gears to 3.55 (but fairly expensive at $500-600 with labor) while keeping the current 4 speed OD (which is still in pretty good condition, never abused).
I bought this minty truck (114K original miles) from a guy who bought it (ordered) new for mostly highway driving (great MPG there!). I, however, use the truck now mostly for commuting (plenty of city traffic with some hwy) and ocassional light weight hauling/loading. I just want to get the best overall gear ratios (trans/rear combo) for my uses, meaning better MPG in city driving without loosing too much MPG for hwy driving.
Raul

 

I guess I'm the only one...

I dumped my T-18. It was an ABSOLUTE straight swap! ( I changed the clutch out, while I was at it). Drop'd the T-18, install'd the '19. 'Not sure on your SMOD...

The CR T19 is a GREAT mod for 300's/T-18r's, unless you like ( non-synchro'd) "granny". I didn't/don't - and LOVE having a synchro'd 1st with "car-like" gearing. I can get 25 MPH out of first gear, reving to ~3000 RPM.

$200 is a steal - if it's in decent shape. I could only find ONE (CR) in Denver, at the time- cost me $400, with the core charge.

 

You dumped your T-18? Sacrilege!!!!

 

I have a t18 behind my 240. Indestructible tranny. Worthless in the city. This thread set off bells in my mind. Anyone know what years CR T19 trannys came in? Anyone want a good t18, with that stump puller low gear?

 

my t19 has the synchro'd 1st gear and bolted right up.

 

Here is some info I found on T19's:

T19 "Wide" Ratio Transmission (Found in F500-800 series HD trucks and 1983-1986 4wd F250's with the 460 engine). Gears: 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.00<O</O
T19 "Standard" Ratio Transmission (limited run in 1983-1984 models with diesel and 460 engines). Gears: 5.11, 3.03, 1.79, 1.00<O</O
T19 "Close" Ratio Transmissions (most common, found in 1983-1986 Ford trucks with diesel and 460 engines). Gears: 4.02, 2.41, 1.41, 1.00<O</O
These transmissions have all four gears synchronized which is the biggest advantage over the T18 (with non-synchronized 1<SUP>st</SUP>-granny gear).
Raul

 

Broncr and oldhalftons:

Do your trucks with the T19's have regular mechanical or hydraulic clutches? I suspect mechanical, but would like to confirm this (as I would not want to have to deal with changing the mechanical clutch in my '78 to a hydraulic set-up when and if I change the trans to a T19). Thanks,
Raul

 

mines a hydraulic clutch.

Even when the hydraulic clutchs work right I dont like the feel. I like my 79's mechanical setup MUCH better.

you can use whatever setup the truck has allready. I'm just not going to do all the work it would take to convert to a mechanical clutch in the 87.
the bearing retainer on the t-19 is the same as the t-18

 

Superbepro -- thanks for the sleuthing. I think I am going to start looking for a CR T-19. That would allow quite a bit larger tires or a higher rear, cause I could start in 1st instead of 2nd. And the syncro'd gears makes down shifting in traffic a lot easier.

 

So today at the U Wrench it in KC, I found what appears to be a 4 speed manual in a 85 behind a 300. Any idea what it is for a ratio? Is there anyway of telling from exterior? They want $49 plus core. So happens I have an old t-98 laying around. Bet I could give them that and they would be happy.

Don't really want to wrench it myself though. But would be nice to know if it was the correct one. Added bonus would be the back up light, which can be rigged on a 65 like mine by getting the later tail light lens assemblies.

 

The neat thing about a CR t19 is the 1.4 3rd gear - if you do the math, you'll find the spread between it and 4th is effectively the same as that between OD and direct on many of the OD trannys. With one of these, you can gear long (if you have a 9inch - 2.80 or so?) and have a practical 3rd for passing/hills and a very usable 4.02 1st for starting out. The only drawback is greater stress on u-joints and ring & pinions. I'm considering one of these behind a 300 or 351M in my '77 F250 - with the aerodynamic slide-in camper I plan to build, this should be a very good combo.

 

Does this mean that I can use a clutch assembly and bell housing for an SROD with the hydraulic slave and Master cylinder? I have a 96 with an M5OD, and I want to ditch it for a Wide Ratio T-19 and swap the rear end gears for a set of 2.73:1. I figured out that with 3.55:1 gears, my M5OD has a combined first gear ratio of 13.85:1 and a top gear ratio of 2.84:1. With a Wide Ratio T-19, I could instead have a combined first gear ratio of 17.25:1 and a top gear ratio of 2.73:1 for superior highway performance. Best part is, with the ratio spread, shifting at 2,000 rpm puts you right down to 1,200rpms, right at the bottom of the torque curve, so easy cruising can get you some decent gas mileage, and I'll still have more pulling power that with the M5OD and 3.55s.
I want to do this. The reduction of driveshaft speed is an added bonus. This would make my truck even better than it already is, and more bullet proof, too.

 

worthless in the city?!?! i live in Pittsbugh... MAD hills n at and i got a T-18. i love it. only time i have to put in the clutch is when im the 1st vechile @ a stop light. i just keep crawlin along and when i need a bit more speed... no gas. just go to 2nd, and on flats i can hit 3rd gear at idle. plus the sound o straight pipes gets evey1s attention... exept when the cops r around. people may get irritated, but thats cause they cant go that slow w/o riding their brakes.

 

I think he means 'cause of the non-synchro 1st gear, makes downshifting to 1st difficult. Witha Synchro'd 1st gear, you can pop it right in.

 

i have the no sycro and it is a PIA to pop in. i do have to admit. a bit o grinding and noises. makes me look bad on a 1st date lol... does it in reverse too...