I own a 66 with a 6cylinder and three speed manual transmission. I already bought a 460 and c6 automatic transmission. I have a few questions for those guys who may have already done a swap like this. I would like to save the three on the tree shifter and use that to hook up to the new automatic. What kind of shift linkage do I need to have to do this? Would my stock drive shaft work? I already found engine motor mounts but haven't found any rear cross bars. Can I just modify the one that I already have? These are just the beginning. I hope you guys can help me out a little. I just want to be prepared before I start ripping this thing apart!

 

I know from Chevy the on the tree manual vs automatics are different.

Seems to me is the sweep of the handle is one thing, as is the lack of PRND21 on top. Plus nuetral safety switch, and reverse lights.

I think the sweep could be corrected though, but I think a Locar shifter would just be better.

 

Forget using the manual shift column as it has no detentes to prohibit it shifting in to reverse or any other gear with a slight bump. Would not be fun or good on parts retention.

Purchase a correct Automatic column. Or aftermarket floor shifter.

The C6 will mount to your current stock trans cross member. It will need to be moved back a bit and new bolt holes re drilled in the rail.

Garbz

 

The most important part to this swap is the correct factory engine cross-bolted motor mounts and perches. Each side uses a cup that bolts to the block, a perch that bolts to the frame and the rubber insulator (mistakenly called motor mount) that goes in between. The holes are already predrilled in the correct location on your '66, both in the frame rails and the cross-member. Not using the correct engine mounting will allow the following to happen: 1. Misalignment of the 460 left to right and front to rear. 2. You acquiring a new hood ornament in the shape of your radiator fan when you goose it once to many times. 3. The propagation of many irritating problems requiring a lot of time and frustration to develop non-Ford, non-standard fixes. Use the correct mounts and you will save yourself a great deal of trouble. Otherwise, the rest of the swap is all bolt-up Ford parts. No, you cannot use your old driveshaft. It is best to have a new one made up, AFTER everything else is installed. Mr. Garbz2 is correct, you can use your existing transmission cross-member, but you may need to relocate it back a bit. Just a couple of holes, and is an easy alteration. He is also correct about the steering column, and sounds like he knows his way around Ford trucks. Now is also a good time to plan for power steering if you change out the steering column. Also, you will need a larger radiator than the stock one for a six. Use one for a '78 F-250 and a 460.

 

Just to add; Also take into consideration; the difference in power steering automatic columns verse regular "manual" steering columns. The rod is longer on manuals than power steering. If you decide to go with power steering go ahead and grab the steering column from the donor truck as well.
I have had to change out the steering rod from a manual column to a power steering column; due to not knowing this difference in lenght.
Just food for though. My reason for knowing this is; the automatic shifter linkage snap on a old 76 F100 truck, column and I didn't realize the difference from the scrap yard truck I pulled the steering column from.

 

Thanks for help. I'll keep you guys posted.