Hi Folks,
I have a 1965 F-100 Styleside with a 352 3 on the tree. I would like to keep this engine but need to switch to an Automatic or a 4 or 5 speed (NON-Truck) Standard Transmission. Please let me know my options and Obstacles for this Swap or if it is easier to just switch out the Engine. The 352 has 24,500 miles on it and in runs incredibly smooth.

Thank you for your time

Kevin

 

Hello Kevin, welcome. I'm fairly new to the forum also but I'm a Ford guy. If you go with an automatic there are plenty of C-6's around that will fit your 352, same as a 360 and 390 and most other FE engines.
Good luck and have a nice day.
_____________________________

 

Kevin Welcome to and the Slicks Forum

As Larry noted plenty of C6s available in trucks up to 76, the last year the FE was offered. Buy a 73-76 donor get the transmission, power steering, & power disc brakes all at once.


John

 

Thank you for your responses and I will look for the c6 but is there an option for a 4 or 5 speed out there? As far as the Donor is concerned we are actually considering a late model Crown Vic front end to bring down the overall look a couple of inches and also to gain the PS and front Disc brakes. If you believe this to be a mistake I would love to here your feedback.

All the best and your time is greatly appreciated.

Kevin

 

Not a mistake; everybody has there choice & pocket book option. Just what John mention is basically a direct bolt-in swap, with a donor truck.

 

In '65 - '66 Ford offered two 4 speed transmissions (New Process 435 and Borg-Warner T-18 [I think]) which would easily bolt up to your 352 FE. They are, however, essentially floor mounted 3 speed transmissions with an additional "granny low" first gear, and can be awkward to shift from 2nd to 3rd. If you plan to use your truck as a truck, towing or hauling stuff, these might be what you need. If you just plan to go cruising and will never need a beefy 1st gear, the car 4 speeds of the time, the Borg-Warner T-10 or the Ford toploader will also bolt up easily. In each case, high gear is a 1:1 ratio and is not overdriven. There was also a 3 speed manual with overdrive available for your truck, but they are scarce these days. Some forum members (including myself) have installed different 5 speed overdrive transmissions, but they are not easy bolt up installations. Keep in mind, the floor tunnel in your truck (both for automatics and 3 on the tree) is slightly different than the floors in factory 4 speed trucks, which can create additional engineering challenges, but nothing that can't be overcome. Adapters exist to mount newer Tremec 5 and 6 speed transmissions to the old FE so you can do pretty much anything you want.

 

This information is fantastic and I truly appreciate the value of your time put into the responses. I will consider everything here and let you know which direction I am going to pursue.

All the best.

 

Can you share more information?

Do you "need" or want a different transmission?

Will the automatic be floor or column shift?

Are you planning on power steering?

Some people move the 3 speed shifter to the floor, although I do not like that option myself. It never seems to function properly and IMO it doesn't look right.

 

1965 Ford F100 6' Stepside 352 3sp on the tree 2 wheel drive.
I would like a 4 or 5 speed Manual on the floor. I am content with going with a C6 Automatic / on the floor would be preferred. I do need either transmission.
As far as the upgrades to the Front End are concerned we are going with a Late model Crown Vic for PS/PB and to lower the vehicle 2-3" followed by the rear lowering and new brakes to the rear. It runs incredibly well and I would like to keep the motor so I am hoping to find a Transmission Option that makes sense.

Thank you again....Kevin