Alright it's actually for my F1 but I have the 360FE and 3-speed manual from a '72 F100. Its that 3-speed with the side-mounted shift selectors since it was a column shift truck.

Is there a toploader transmission that'll directly bolt in the place of it? I kinda wanna find a good 4-speed trans that'll fit in without the need to change mounts and stuff since it was all custom fabbed for the 3-speed. Does something like that exist?

Any help would be great!

Thanks!

 

Yes, a toploader 4spd can be put in its place. You'll need to use a floor shifter though.

The three speed is a bit shorter, so you'll need to change driveshafts(or shorten yours). The trans crossmember will likely be moved back also. Not a big deal, slide it back and drill new hole in frame. I changed my '70 F100 years ago from 3 spd to 4spd.

 

A T-10 will also bolt in place of a Toploader so by deduction it will also bolt in place of the 3-spd... However, a T-10 is not as strong as a Toploader.

Go big and install a TKO-500!

 

Where will you find a T-10 for an FE engine? Big M Automotive in Williams CA who also has 4 speed top loaders.

 

Whitie, T-10 4 speeds may not fit properly, I once tried to use one from a 64 Ford XL 390 on my 68 Ranger with a 360. The pilot shaft was not long enough, the front bearing retainer was smaller and did not center the transmisson in the bellhousing. We had to redrill the bolt pattern and tap the holes. Any way I did try it out and was really "BUMMED OUT" with the first gear since it was a close ratio . I later got one from a 66 Comet that had the 2.78 wide ratio gears. It bolted up perfectly I had to get a reverse speedometer drive gear and a longer cable and a new driveshaft. Needless to say it really woke up my Ranger. This was in 1972 ,with a 650 holley , dual exhaust I never had a problem at red light rallys with 350 brand x trucks. Good Luck , Kenny

 

So how close to the bench seat will the T10 shifter be? I am looking at a five speed also which will give me the most room to shift. My only reserve on the four speed T10 is what will my rpm be at 70mph or highway speed. . Also see a lot of GT Cobra transmissions building a 351w stroker so need the stronger choice.

 

Forget the T10 unless you are going to buy a new or fairly new Super T10--made only for GM stuff as far as I can find.

The T10 or the Ford "Top loader" 4 speeds have a 1:1 high just like your 3 speed, so your highway revs will be the same.

So this is for a 351w you are building, not your 360FE motor?

If you want OD, then the later transmission is the answer, TKO or T56. You gonna cheap out on the trans and put some cobbed up 50 year old box in there that pops out of gear? Or shell out $1000+ for a proper toploader?

Modern Driveline, Inc. - Transmission

Remanufactured Toploaders

As far as where the shifter is, the newer 5 speed allow you to move the shifter. The toploader has several shifter locations, and can be had with an top shift option-see the Kees site.

Products - Rockland Standard Gear, Inc.

 

The 351w is a 1968 from a mustang I think. It failed the compression test so getting into it. I figure if I put the money into the engine I need to do the same for the transmission. I will give modern and Rockland a call this week. I have found a remanufactured 95 cobra transmission on eBay it should be capable just not sure about shift position. I like to do things once so prefer to be safe than sorry

 

No 351 until 1969.

 

The 3 speed is a top loader so a 4 speed top loader will bolt up to your bell housing.The 4 speed top loader is longer as stated above.