I've got a 79 f100 with a 302 auto. I'm about to stick a rebuilt 302 in it and wanted to find a better tranny and rear end at a junkyard. What year trucks should I be looking at to upgrade my transmission and rear end? This is my daily driver. I realize that most anything would work, but I wanted some opinions about what would be best.

 

Exactly what are you looking for? More takeoff power, pulling ability, highway gearing for better mileage and lower rpm's? Do you currently have a C4? C6? What's your rearend ratio?
With more info, we'll be better able to give out usefull advice>

 

I've got a C-4 and 2.75 rear end. I'm putting a 302 in with about 250 hp. I'd like a transmission with overdrive to help on the highway, and I don't know enough about gear ratios to know what I want for the rear end. tell me what year I should look for at the junkyard to swipe a decent tranny with overdrive and a rear end.

 

Jeff, sounds like a good setup that you have there now. Changing to a manual OD is a lot of work, some of the earlier AODs were problematic, and an EAOD has to have the computer to operate, which your 79 may not have. I don't think that you would want to go any higher with the rear, so the AOD is about your only choice IMHO.

John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

Should I get the tranny and rear end rebuilt or find similar ones at the junkyard? They both are pretty much shot.

 

Jeff You never stated which tranny you have, if it is a C4 auto, have a local rebuild it, as for the rear, you should be able to get one from the classifieds on this site, or from a local yard.

The 9in Ford rears can be changed out in an hour. I don't know how much it would cost to have one rebuilt. They are usually swapped out.

John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

I don't know how problematic they are, but you can get an AOD from early 80's Fseries and Mustangs with 302s(the carburated ones). Just make sure you get all the linkages. My recommendation on the AOD's is to keep em out of OD when your not on the highway. They tend to last longer than if you leave em in OD all the time. Less shifting in and out of OD(in the city driving)= less wear and tear on it.

 

 

Although, you haven't really said why you wanted to change the rear end, I'll assume it's because you're not happy with performance. I would suggest you go with a 3:08. I run that rear in one truck or another for years and it's a real good street rear if you've got the trans for it. In other words you need a low enough 1st to get your load rolling.

Trail Rider