Installing a 5 speed
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
Installing a 5 speed
Does anyone have any info on installing a 5 speed into these trucks?? I have a Tremec 3550 I'm looking to install into a 75 F100 302 3 speed, long bed.
I've checked American Powertrain, Keisler and some Mustang sites for some installation tips but those are more tailored for cars.
I'm figuring I'll have to modify the trans cross-member at least. And I haven't figured out on the clutch linkage just yet; going from a push (bell crank) lever to a pull (cable) lever, if I even have to do that. I've seen some where the newer bellhousing can have a fulcrum mounted inside of it for the original push lever I think.
Ideas? Thanks.
Edit: more specific info.
I've checked American Powertrain, Keisler and some Mustang sites for some installation tips but those are more tailored for cars.
I'm figuring I'll have to modify the trans cross-member at least. And I haven't figured out on the clutch linkage just yet; going from a push (bell crank) lever to a pull (cable) lever, if I even have to do that. I've seen some where the newer bellhousing can have a fulcrum mounted inside of it for the original push lever I think.
Ideas? Thanks.
Edit: more specific info.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
A long-shaft, 3550 requires an aftermarket bellhousing unless it's fitted with a short.shaft. Contact Paul or Bruce at Modern Driveline and they can provide input.
Crossmember... a 3550 is about the same length so re-drilling a coupla holes should be all that is needed. ..same situation with an NP435... the x-member moves back about two inches.
Oh, I think you'll need to spec a 26-spline clutch.
If yer putting it behind an fe, visit my build thread cuz I've installed a TKO in my rig.
Crossmember... a 3550 is about the same length so re-drilling a coupla holes should be all that is needed. ..same situation with an NP435... the x-member moves back about two inches.
Oh, I think you'll need to spec a 26-spline clutch.
If yer putting it behind an fe, visit my build thread cuz I've installed a TKO in my rig.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
Thanks for responding. I've got the bellhousing that goes with it. It's a 10 spline version. It's actually in my Mustang right now. I was hoping the crossmember would work out.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Well heck, you're there except for actuating the clutch. I assume its got a cabled clutch as installed in the Stang.
What engine in the truck and what engine in the stang?
Here's the short-shaft, 10-spline TKO mated to the stock FE bellhousing... It fit like a flesh tuxedo.
What engine in the truck and what engine in the stang?
Here's the short-shaft, 10-spline TKO mated to the stock FE bellhousing... It fit like a flesh tuxedo.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
This is really a great help! Thanks. The truck is a 302 with a 3 speed. Well my Mustang is a '91 5.0. So it is cable actuated. I didn't know if I could use the cable setup or use the bell-crank. I think I would prefer the cable but I don't want to have to drill another hole in the firewall or modify the clutch lever. So if I can modify the bellhousing to use a push style lever instead of the pull type (like the cable uses) I think I would be set on the actuation.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I found this:
Manual Transmission into a Maverick or Comet- maverickgrabber.com
"Tremec TKO and 3550 Not to be confused with the Tremec T-45 used in 98-up Mustang GTs and Cobras, the Tremec TKO and 3550 are aftermarket only performance transmissions. They have very high power capabilites and the best part is they bolt up directly with the Ford Toploader/ 3-speed bolt pattern. This means that if you have a 3-speed car this transmission is a direct bolt-in to your bellhousing (custom driveshaft and crossmember required). They are hard to find and rather expensive. The TKO is a high performance version of the 3550, externally they are identical."
Here are the required bell pattern dimensions (also referred to as a "wide pattern") to fit the 3550 on the truck bell. Ya might be able to keep the truck's mechanical linkage:
Horizontal - 8.25 inches:
Vertical - 6.25 inches:
Manual Transmission into a Maverick or Comet- maverickgrabber.com
"Tremec TKO and 3550 Not to be confused with the Tremec T-45 used in 98-up Mustang GTs and Cobras, the Tremec TKO and 3550 are aftermarket only performance transmissions. They have very high power capabilites and the best part is they bolt up directly with the Ford Toploader/ 3-speed bolt pattern. This means that if you have a 3-speed car this transmission is a direct bolt-in to your bellhousing (custom driveshaft and crossmember required). They are hard to find and rather expensive. The TKO is a high performance version of the 3550, externally they are identical."
Here are the required bell pattern dimensions (also referred to as a "wide pattern") to fit the 3550 on the truck bell. Ya might be able to keep the truck's mechanical linkage:
Horizontal - 8.25 inches:
Vertical - 6.25 inches:
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
That is awesome news! Thanks so much for finding that! Do you think the car and truck bellhousings are the same?
BTW, how do I find your build thread? Thanks.
BTW, how do I find your build thread? Thanks.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
There's only one way to find out and that is to measure! There should be enough clearance on your rig to figure it out..... I was unclear on my truck because nowhere could I find the bolt centerlines for a "wide pattern" as was referenced on the web... I'd figure to take some pics for future reference... you're the first beneficiary.
Ah, build thread... I thought I had it linked in my signature. Here ya go; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ide-build.html
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
Silver, I see what you mean now by the long and short input shafts. I had no clue there were ever any different variations made. Sounds like the adapter plate is the way to go to make up for the longer shaft. I'm about 99.99% sure the Tremec 3550 in my 5.0 is the long shaft version to work with the 5.0 Tremec bellhousing.
I went through your entire build thread mainly looking for the stuff on the trans but I did go over every page. I didn't see where you mentioned refinishing the stock bellhousing? It is cast iron right? We didn't even remove that from the truck when we put the motor in, I don't remember. Thanks so much again!
I went through your entire build thread mainly looking for the stuff on the trans but I did go over every page. I didn't see where you mentioned refinishing the stock bellhousing? It is cast iron right? We didn't even remove that from the truck when we put the motor in, I don't remember. Thanks so much again!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Silver, I see what you mean now by the long and short input shafts. I had no clue there were ever any different variations made. Sounds like the adapter plate is the way to go to make up for the longer shaft. I'm about 99.99% sure the Tremec 3550 in my 5.0 is the long shaft version to work with the 5.0 Tremec bellhousing.
I went through your entire build thread mainly looking for the stuff on the trans but I did go over every page. I didn't see where you mentioned refinishing the stock bellhousing? It is cast iron right? We didn't even remove that from the truck when we put the motor in, I don't remember. Thanks so much again!
I went through your entire build thread mainly looking for the stuff on the trans but I did go over every page. I didn't see where you mentioned refinishing the stock bellhousing? It is cast iron right? We didn't even remove that from the truck when we put the motor in, I don't remember. Thanks so much again!
I think the OEM bell is cast steel.. I didn't mention it because it was unglamorous... outright mundane in fact. It's shot with Rustoleum high heat silver and several coats of high-temp clear.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
Well, does anyone have a reference to the 3 speed bellhousing; particularly the regsister opening? I know that I can measure this one, but it's kind of difficult with the motor and trans still in the truck. 
I'm just trying to get all of my ducks in a row to make a game plan before it's dissasembled. Thanks.
I'm just trying to get all of my ducks in a row to make a game plan before it's dissasembled. Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
'Time to do homework & research !
Ford In-line 6 Cylinder Bell Housing Identification - Modern Driveline
The link above provides PNs and shows the wide pattern vs narrow pattern. I've provided the wide pattern dimensions above. I think if ya climb into the engine compartment that you will be able to deduce the measurements... there's PLENTY of room in there... moreso than an early Mustang!
_________________
Got the trans code? Then they will cross over to which vehicle and engine it was originally installed.
3 Speed ID Chart
The link above provides PNs and shows the wide pattern vs narrow pattern. I've provided the wide pattern dimensions above. I think if ya climb into the engine compartment that you will be able to deduce the measurements... there's PLENTY of room in there... moreso than an early Mustang!
_________________
Got the trans code? Then they will cross over to which vehicle and engine it was originally installed.
3 Speed ID Chart
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
That's what I'm trying to do! I called Modern Driveline today and got some info. Thus the request for the register (center hole) size in the stock 3 speed bellhousing. He said I needed to check on that to see what it was as they are not all the same of course. That would decide on whether the Tremec's front retainer would match up into the stock 3 speed bellhousing or we would use the Tremec bell and go with a fulcrum kit for the lever.
I called Modern Driveline today and got some info. Thus the request for the register (center hole) size in the stock 3 speed bellhousing. He said I needed to check on that to see what it was as they are not all the same of course. That would decide on whether the Tremec's front retainer would match up into the stock 3 speed bellhousing or we would use the Tremec bell and go with a fulcrum kit for the lever.
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