I recently purchased a 1972 Bronco with three speed on the column. My plan is build this vehicle as primary hunting truck as a I have a 77 Ranger that I am building as my play toy.

I have never been a fan of three on the tree and I was wondering if there is 4-speed alternative. If there is can you give me a model number?

Thanks

 

when i bought my 72 it had a 4-speed out of a late 70's 2wd truck. it was a np 435. it had a aftermarket adapter to bolt it to the stock dana 20 t case. it seems like iv seem them for sale in the bronco graveyard catalog.i like it just finally upgraded to a c-6 and a 203/205 doubler

 

Not any one that is an easy swap.... Some guys use the m5r2 and its transfer case from a 80s ford 4wd truck, or np435 and adapter to dana20 or run the 205 that came with the 435 and modift driveshafts....

I have done two tobloader conversions.... But there is no easy way.... The holy grail would by the toplader overdrive from a 70s 4wd truck... You would have to first find one... This trans is a toploader case like the 60s and early 70s mustangs. All you would have to do is the machine work to your current 303 to dana 20 adapter like the toploader conversion and you would be good to go....this trans does not use the side mounted shift linkage, but internal forks actuated through a top cover that has an integral shifter like a np435.... Jeeps are more likely to have this setup than ford trucks is you go hunting one.... I personally i never seen one except on ebay....
As fas as how it will work: it will be essentially a 303 with overdrive, or a wide ratio toploader depending on how you gear.... Which is what you want for a small block application...
The np435 will be just like your 303, but with a granny low... So its kinda not a true four speed....
The last and least likely option i have ever heard was from a guy who had done this and i saw this form myself: he took a ford t-10 borgwarner case and a chevy truck t-10 output shaft and swapped it into his ford case and then installed the ford 303 to dana 20 adapter and stock dana 20........

 

"...The np435 will be just like your 303, but with a granny low..."
Used to be the gold standard before the '90s and 2000. Now most put the 5 speed in. The NV 3500 (I think is the number) is a minimum mod swap (adapter & X-member, no drive shaft change). The Mazda mentioned is not so great for off rd. ZF also a goodun.
What do you seek beside "hunting rig"? What kind of terrain? What % on/off rd? What kind of loads endured?

 

Just a Mississippi hunting truck. Lots of gumbo and the tallest hill is about 5 feet.

 

If that is the case... get a floor shifter for the three speed and you will thank yourself...
Its easier to swap in a 351W from a late 90s truck with serpentine belts and that will make you forget about the drop from 2nd to 3rd on that .303..... NP435 is the gold standard for rocks, but for what you are doing.... the extra 100 lbs it weighs and the adapter are not worth the $$$$, either way, IMHO unless you stick with a .303, you will probably need a 1" body lift too....