Speedometer cable and gear issues
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Speedometer cable and gear issues
Hey guys,
I've posted on here before about this but I've never really solved this problem. So I'm going back to basics and starting there.
Here's what I've got: 89ish T5 world class tranny with a Chevy tailshaft housing in my 51 F1 (all done according the "ultimate T5 conversion page" or whatever it's called. Anyway, I also have a 2.73 rear axle ratio, so kind of a weird combo with the T5 tranny, but not unheard of. Apparently mustang restorers use T5s and 2.73 rear ends on a fairly regular basis. However, they DON'T need to use the Chevy tailshaft housing (need it in old trucks because of where the shifter comes thru relative to the bench seat).
So, back to the very basics: pictured below is my old speedo cable. It came out of our old/discarded FMX tranny. I've come to the conclusion that this cable end will not work in a Chevy tailshaft housing at all. Am I right? I THINK I need a GM style cable end and a GM driven gear (the gears pictured are identical Ford gears but I cut the end off one trying to make it fit. No luck). Unfortunately I'm not sure I can get a GM gear that will work with my T5 and a 2.73 rear end.
Anybody out there an expert on this?
Thanks!!
Tyler
(And btw, tranny shops and speedo shops have been less than zero help on this).
I've posted on here before about this but I've never really solved this problem. So I'm going back to basics and starting there.
Here's what I've got: 89ish T5 world class tranny with a Chevy tailshaft housing in my 51 F1 (all done according the "ultimate T5 conversion page" or whatever it's called. Anyway, I also have a 2.73 rear axle ratio, so kind of a weird combo with the T5 tranny, but not unheard of. Apparently mustang restorers use T5s and 2.73 rear ends on a fairly regular basis. However, they DON'T need to use the Chevy tailshaft housing (need it in old trucks because of where the shifter comes thru relative to the bench seat).
So, back to the very basics: pictured below is my old speedo cable. It came out of our old/discarded FMX tranny. I've come to the conclusion that this cable end will not work in a Chevy tailshaft housing at all. Am I right? I THINK I need a GM style cable end and a GM driven gear (the gears pictured are identical Ford gears but I cut the end off one trying to make it fit. No luck). Unfortunately I'm not sure I can get a GM gear that will work with my T5 and a 2.73 rear end.
Anybody out there an expert on this?
Thanks!!
Tyler
(And btw, tranny shops and speedo shops have been less than zero help on this).
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 649
Likes: 101
From: Calgary Alberta
I don't know if it will help but try t5cablespeedometer.com. Guy named Dan Conley. He takes t5 electronic transmissions and converts them to cable drive. He had a both set up at the Spokane swap meet in July. I will try and post some picks.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Thanks!! T
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
That cable is not like the one in my '49 F4. I have the original cable from my F4 running in a GM 700R4. My cable has the female cap screwed onto the GM tranny, fits like it should. It drives the original speedometer. When I had the transmission built I asked for the smallest drive gear available be installed. Even with the largest driven gear, my speedometer is way fast. I run a GPS to determine speed. So, perhaps what you need is a stock speedometer cable????? Perhaps the 51 is different from the 49?? I don't know but just a thought.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
That cable is not like the one in my '49 F4. I have the original cable from my F4 running in a GM 700R4. My cable has the female cap screwed onto the GM tranny, fits like it should. It drives the original speedometer. When I had the transmission built I asked for the smallest drive gear available be installed. Even with the largest driven gear, my speedometer is way fast. I run a GPS to determine speed. So, perhaps what you need is a stock speedometer cable????? Perhaps the 51 is different from the 49?? I don't know but just a thought.
Anybody?
Thx, Tyler
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
That cable is not like the one in my '49 F4. I have the original cable from my F4 running in a GM 700R4. My cable has the female cap screwed onto the GM tranny, fits like it should. It drives the original speedometer. When I had the transmission built I asked for the smallest drive gear available be installed. Even with the largest driven gear, my speedometer is way fast. I run a GPS to determine speed. So, perhaps what you need is a stock speedometer cable????? Perhaps the 51 is different from the 49?? I don't know but just a thought.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
There is the possibility that some GM and Ford cables were the same. I am using a stock original 1949 F4 cable and it connects to the original Ford speedometer head and to the 700R4 GM transmission. It works, works smoothly but the drive gears in the transmission are not right for the original Ford speedometer. The speedometer indicates about ten MPH fast and the error is not liniar. Sorry for the confusing post earlier.
I am working with the 700R4 and you have the T5 so there may be differences there.
I am working with the 700R4 and you have the T5 so there may be differences there.
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Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
Tyler, I think what you need is the speedo gear housing. The plastic gear fits in this to drive the cable. The cable end threads onto this housing. A stock F-1 cable should work as Ray said.
Here's a housing.....
T5 Transmissions
Here's a housing.....
T5 Transmissions
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Tyler, I think what you need is the speedo gear housing. The plastic gear fits in this to drive the cable. The cable end threads onto this housing. A stock F-1 cable should work as Ray said. Here's a housing..... T5 Transmissions
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
You need a T5 gear. Is your trans from a Ford or GM? They are likely the same anyway, but the speedo gear needs to match the one on the tailshaft.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
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From: Tucson, AZ
My tailshaft is a GM. Forward of that is from a mustang. So I'll need the GM gear. Got it. Thx!
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