Looking for a 4 Speed
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 361
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From: PA, North of Pittsburgh
Looking for a 4 Speed
Hello everyone,
Does anyone have a 4 speed that will work in my 1951 F1 half ton v8 Flathead that they want to sell? I was told the motor was a 1953 but any 4 speed from 48-53 would work. Not sure if that is true or not.
Thanks, Dave
Does anyone have a 4 speed that will work in my 1951 F1 half ton v8 Flathead that they want to sell? I was told the motor was a 1953 but any 4 speed from 48-53 would work. Not sure if that is true or not.
Thanks, Dave
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
Define "4-speed" for us. The only 4-speed originally available in your truck that will bolt in is the spur gear crash box 4-speed. 1st gear is extreme low and basically useless unless you're trying to pull a house down and you've got to double clutch every shift. Most guys are itching to get rid of them. The larger trucks could be had with a synchronized 4-speed, but 1st gear was still extreme low and they are designed for a different rear crossmember and won't just bolt in. They are tough to come by also. If what you're wanting is a fully synchronized 4-speed where you can use all 4 gears on a daily basis, you'll have to look at the more modern car-type transmissions from the 60's and 70's. You'd probably be money and time ahead in that case to just step up to a T-5 5-speed from a Chevy S-10. It's a common swap and you'd get a useful overdrive gear to boot. And yes, a '53 motor would have the same bellhousing bolt pattern as a '48-'52. The transmission mount in '53 is what was different.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: PA, North of Pittsburgh
Thanks for that great response!!! I think the S-10 might be the way to go, what year would be the best to use and what is all involved in using a chevy T-5 with a Ford Flathead?
I have a T-5 from a Camaro, would that work as well or is the shifter way to far back?
However, I am really just looking to go to something with a floor shifter. I would still be happy with that 4 speed eberyone wants to get rid of or even a floor shifted 3 speed.
I have a T-5 from a Camaro, would that work as well or is the shifter way to far back?
However, I am really just looking to go to something with a floor shifter. I would still be happy with that 4 speed eberyone wants to get rid of or even a floor shifted 3 speed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
The earlier trucks ('48 to maybe mid-'50?) had a light duty floor-shifted 3-speed that was synchronized in 2nd and 3rd. That would probably be a good swap for ya if you just want to get a decent floor-shifted transmission with as little drama and work as possible. I really don't think you want a 4-speed crash box. I promise you'll hate it.
A Camaro T-5 would work, but the shifter is indeed too far to the rear. I think just about any S-10 T-5 will work, but they went to an electronic speedo sometime in the late 80's and the cable port was eliminated from the transmission. An early-mid 80's unit would be best if you want your speedo to work. Here's a link with good pics to another member's thread on his swap. He's still working on it. It should give you an idea of what's required.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...wap-today.html
A Camaro T-5 would work, but the shifter is indeed too far to the rear. I think just about any S-10 T-5 will work, but they went to an electronic speedo sometime in the late 80's and the cable port was eliminated from the transmission. An early-mid 80's unit would be best if you want your speedo to work. Here's a link with good pics to another member's thread on his swap. He's still working on it. It should give you an idea of what's required.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...wap-today.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Erie, pa
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,924
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From: Houston
What are you really wanting? Is it a floor shift transmission with the ability to go 70? Do you want to town heavy loads with an indestructible transmission? Do you mind taking a cutting torch to your cross member?
My own personal opinion is that a bolt in solution is usually best. My brother has a 50 F-1 and wants to go 70 with a floor shift and looking stock. The plan for his pickup is to install 3.00 to 3.25 ring and pinion in the rear axle or swap in a 9 inch with a 3.00 ratio. Then add one of the optional heavy floor shift three speeds with a lower first gear. This will get the off the line gear ratio back down and still have highway gearing. No cutting on the frame necessary. T-5s and most (all?) synchronized 4 speeds require cutting the rear cross member.
My own personal opinion is that a bolt in solution is usually best. My brother has a 50 F-1 and wants to go 70 with a floor shift and looking stock. The plan for his pickup is to install 3.00 to 3.25 ring and pinion in the rear axle or swap in a 9 inch with a 3.00 ratio. Then add one of the optional heavy floor shift three speeds with a lower first gear. This will get the off the line gear ratio back down and still have highway gearing. No cutting on the frame necessary. T-5s and most (all?) synchronized 4 speeds require cutting the rear cross member.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: PA, North of Pittsburgh
I live near pittsburgh but would be willing to drive if you had the parts I need. I am doing a 9"swap and I figured while I had the rear out and driveshaft I would upgrade to something that was a floor shifter. The 3 speed would be perfect, I really dont need the 4 speed as to this is just a cruiser, not a work truck. I just figured the 4 speed was more common and I really do just want something that is a direct bolt in. I didnt want to spend 1,000 on a t-5 swap either. If I could find an original floor mounted 3 speed that would be great.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
I live near pittsburgh but would be willing to drive if you had the parts I need. I am doing a 9"swap and I figured while I had the rear out and driveshaft I would upgrade to something that was a floor shifter. The 3 speed would be perfect, I really dont need the 4 speed as to this is just a cruiser, not a work truck. I just figured the 4 speed was more common and I really do just want something that is a direct bolt in. I didnt want to spend 1,000 on a t-5 swap either. If I could find an original floor mounted 3 speed that would be great.
Ask for Dick - I'll check to see if I'm there
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Dave
The sites I mentioned on the phone
Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • Index page
Techno Source for the 1932 thru 1953 Flathead Ford
The sites I mentioned on the phone
Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • Index page
Techno Source for the 1932 thru 1953 Flathead Ford
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2
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4 speed spur gear
i have one out of a 51 f3 i would sell