I've been following the ongoing transmission article, but I'm really wondering how hard it would be to install a T5. I mean what is it going to take to put this unit in my 49' F3?
Is there even room in the cab?
Will the floor shift be too far back?
What bell housing should I use?
Any other thoughts?

 

Adapter kits are available to fit the T5 into these trucks, and these use the hogshead/bellhousing of the 8BA.... which is what you probably have. The T5 should be from an S10 so that the shifter is closest to stock. A T5 from a Mustang has the shifter on the end of the tailhousing, and would sit back too far. The S10 T5 would be just a few inches back from the stock location, and shouldn't interfere with the stock bench seat. With the low gearing an F3 has, any OD would help. Finding an S10 T5 with manual speedo (before 1991 or so) is getting harder to find, IMO.

Tinman52 has done this recently, and can guide you through the details, if he's willing.

 

Havi, do the F-2/3 have the big hoop type trans X member like the F-6? If so, that would make the swap even easier....
The biggest hassle on my F-1 was the trans cross member.
There are a bunch of t5 to flathead articles out there, but some are over complicated....
This is the trans with the forward shifter location, from an S-10 pickup. Prior to '88 they had mechanical speedo, after they had electric.



Pic of the stock bell housing, adapter and trans....



New shifter location......



If you have more questions, PM me....