Transmission swap question
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Transmission swap question
I know this is nothing new but can't seem to find what I need answered. I have a 1968 f100 with a Borg-Warner T-18 4 speed top loader. I am looking to swap it for a TKO-600. I am build a street/strip truck and currently in the process of putting a IFS up front and 4 link coil over set up and need to know IF I can use the original Bell housing without any modifications or spacing issues. If not what is going to work? I have already been in contact with several suppliers, including Quicktime, who half say YES and the other say NO. Quicktime said they do NOT have a bell housing that will work for my application which is confusing since that seems to be what people tell me to use. So I am looking for someone who HAS DONE this swap in a 68-ish With a T-18 4 speed and a FE engine and kept the original mechanical clutch set-up. I know its a lot to ask or seems to be and any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,245
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From: Kenner,La.
TKO600
I once saw a t5 on an FE ,the guy had a spacer made from a 1" aluminum plate. You may have to modify the throwout collar to support the bearing. The best way is to have the engine on the floor so that you will be sure that the clutch will release using a ratchet strap to pull the clutch fork. If you are using headers you may have to use a hydraulic set up.
Kenny Nunez
Kenny Nunez
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: North Pole, Alaska
Check the depth of your bellhousing. David Kee Toploader Transmissions states that a truck bellhousing has a depth of 6 3/4" whereas a Ford Toploader 4 spd bell has a depth of 6 1/4". Modern Drivelines says that their standard TKO FE bell has a depth of 7.050". Their TKO FE bell with a shortened input shaft TKO has a depth of 6.425". I would say that the standard Ford FE truck T-18 bell won't fit. Modern's bell is just $595.
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Thanks for the insight but something is a miss. I measured the input shaft which is 6.5 inches in length. The depth on the bell is of course less then that by close to a inch so something is not adding up. I know the TKO is longer by a few inches but it looks like it will bolt right up the my existing trans mount. The torque rating along with mounting and a overdrive is what made it a top choice. Thanks for the info guys
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Southern California
I have done this, except with the TKX 5-speed in a 65 F100. I used my original bell, which was for a 3.03 three on the tree, but i also had a T-18 i9n it for a while. I did have to use a spacer plate between bell and trans, and moved the trans crossmember back a couple inches. Also had to shorten the DS a tad. It's been in the truck for over a year of daily driving with zero problems. Here is a link to my write-up, with pics. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ive-is-in.html
Dan, TK65
Dan, TK65
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