ID my 3 spd?

smokeandroar · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 07:32 PM

I have a short shaft 3 spd std trans that I think is out of a 71 f250 Can anyone confirm, deny, cajole, harass, or elucidate??
tag reads: rat Z 2 025781 I can email pics, but dont know how to have them hosted online for a link?!?! Thanks

Ford_Six · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 12:25 AM

Sounds like a pretty standard three speed column shift-
There should be another tag with a Ford part number on it, something like C9TR-XXXX

wildwes · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 12:57 AM

On a standard 3 spd column shift, is the bellhousing an integral part of the tranny, like some of the automatics, or is it separate? I'm still considering putting a 302 in my truck, but i don't want to swap the entire tranny, mine was recently rebuilt, and it was a good heavy duty rebuild, so i'd like to keep it.

85e150six4mtod · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 01:44 AM

Bell is separate.

These were a top-loaded, side shifted, iron case, all synchro. Intro'd in '63, dubbed the "303" after the 3.03" distance from one shaft to the other.

Used across the Ford line and also used by GM.

3 speed ID charts, although he doesn't have the truck stuff, you can see all the RATs... Several versions for 6 & 8 cylinders, a couple of ratios too.

3 Speed ID Chart

wildwes · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 11:09 AM

Thanks, I had been wondering.

Blue Bomber · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 03:17 PM

i thought first and reverse were non-synchro

85e150six4mtod · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 02:56 PM

Reverse is non-synchro on the 303, but first is.

The earlier, and possibly carried through along side the 303, BW box is non-synchro in first. This would be a side-loaded box.

The all synchro 303 was touted by Ford in some ads as a "3 1/2 speed" due to the all synchro. Having had a 303 and a top loader in my Mustang, I can tell you Ford's ad campaign was FOS.

85e150six4mtod · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod

Reverse is non-synchro on the 303, but first is.

The earlier, and possibly carried through along side the 303, BW box is non-synchro in first. This would be a side-loaded box.

(on edit--this box also had an OD unit available, an electrically shifted unit on the tail. I'm guessing, but the carry over of this box after the intro of the 303 was either for HD &/or for purposes of having the OD. Numberdummy would know for sure if he happens by....)

The all synchro 303 was touted by Ford in some ads as a "3 1/2 speed" due to the all synchro. Having had a 303 and a top loader in my Mustang, I can tell you Ford's ad campaign was FOS.

On edit, to clarify, the OP's box has "RAT---" on it, which id's it as a Ford 303 top loading 3 speed, not a BW. The top loader I refered to above in my Mustang was a WR 4 speed. I miss it so.

Blue Bomber · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 11:17 AM

cool, thanks. ill remember that. how hard is it to find a 3 speed with OD?

85e150six4mtod · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Someone here just posted he had one for sale, can't recall who. Seems like they are pretty rare. If I find that post, I'll update.

On edit:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/74...eeds-home.html

Didn't last long. Perfect for FE if you can live with the 3 speed part, as there is no easy OD for FE.

Blue Bomber · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 11:45 AM

nevermind. ill just get a 4 or 5 speed.