Hi,
I recently picked up a 1966 F100 with a 352 and a 3 speed (on the tree) manual transmission. I have been going over the truck to make sure that what I have it what I think I have. I have been able to confirm the 9" rear with 3.25 gears, however I am having touble finding an identification of the transmission. I can tell from the casting code that it was built in late 1965.

The transmission tag id: HLG Y

I am hoping that someone can help.

Also, I am thinking of switching to a 390FE motor with possibly 350-400hp. Will this transmission work? Should it be rebuilt with stronger internals? I don't plan to race.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have lots of questions and from what I read on this site, there seems to be many knowledgeable members who have great answers.

 

What is the transmission code on the Warranty Plate?
Does it look like the transmission is original to the truck?
Most likely you have the Ford 3 speed - a plain three speed transmission. Suitable for trucks and the loads they can carry, but not suitable for hot rodding.
I would look for something else if you plan to use a 390 (good choice, by the way) to its best.

 

One of my problems is that the driver door was replaced with one from a '64. So the warranty plate information is irrelevant. The transmission seems to be original for the truck, but I can't be sure.

Is there a way to beef up the internals and use the 3 speed, or is there another transmission that will be more suitable that will allow me to retain the shifter on the column?

 

Mark, AFAIK the only auto tranny offered was the C-O-M and it would have a green dot shift selector on the column. It should handle the engine, but if it were mine, I get a fresh C6 to use behind it.



John

 

The Ford 3 speed is pretty stout, but not suitable for hot rodding. I do not think it can be built up, either.
What about an automatic?
If you want to go with power steering, you will need to make changes to your steering column, and although it can be done to a 3 speed, it usually doesn't work well. I would suggest an automatic transmission, PS and steering column upgrade as a combined effort.
I changed my 3 speed out for a C-6, and changed the steering column as well.

Edit - John posted just before I did. Yes, the COM was the only factory automatic offered, and it too, is not suitable for punching the gas.

I have an extra '66 automatic steering column.

 

Mark, I almost forgot, and forgive my oversight - WELCOME to FTE!

 

Thank you for the welcome and the information.

I am going to keep things simple and stay with manual steering, brakes, and transmission.

Can anyone decode the Transmission ID Tag: HLG Y?

Would it actually mate with a 390FE?

 

The 390 is of the same Ford family of engines - FE, for Ford/Edsel.
All FE engines (except the rare race engines) have the same outer dimensions, and will bolt up the same.
With very few exceptions, yes, you can put a 330, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 or a 428 onto the same bellhousing, and they will all accept the same accessories.

 

The parts book says this about the tag...There is no HLG used in 65 or 66...it was a HEG..the Y was used in 66...not 65...its a medium duty trans used on F100-F250 shortbeds(114" w.b.) with 6 cyl and 352.
As far as the HLG you posted, there was no HLG used in 64 either...all are HEG...


- cs65

 

Welcome to FTE

No such code as HLG-Y, it's as cs65 stated:

HEG-Y = 1966 F100 / 300 I-6 / 352 2V / 114" wheelbase / Ford Type 3.03 3 Speed Manual all Syncromesh Transmission.

This same basic transmission was used in many cars & trucks from 1963 thru 1996.

Used with the following engines: 200/240/250/300 I-6's / & / 221/260/289/302/351C/351W/352/360/390/428/429 V8's.

 

Thanks for all of the help. I really appreciate it. I guess I need to get back under there and check the tag again!

Does anyone know if there is a way to make it so this transmission can handle 350-400 hp?

 

The die used to stamp the E in HEG was worn, why it appears to be an L.

The worn die stampings are common on Ford's.

Will it handle 400 HP?

Depends on how you drive the truck. I wouldn't speed shift it with the column shift it has now.

If I was gonna run a 400 HP engine, the first thing I'd do is swap in power disc brakes, cuz the originals are not up to modern day traffic.

The front manual drum brakes are 11" x 2." The rears are 11" x 1 3/4."

Ask jowilker, banjopicker or garbz2, as these three FTE members are the gurus on installing power disc brakes in these trucks.

 

This is off topic but a 302 bell housing will bolt up to a 65 manual gearbox

 

the 3.03 has a close cousin that will handle 400 hp. the toploader 4 speed.

 

hello i also just bought a 66 f100 352 with a 3 speed its been relocated to the floor though its a regualr cab long bed i was wondering what trans it was and how it would hold up to a 500 hp motor im thinking about biulding