Tranny Conversion
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Tranny Conversion
I'd like to convert my 54 F100 3-speed transmission to a 4-speed; however I'm planning to use a newer 4-speed than was available for the vehicle in that year. I'm considering a ST-10 manual 4-speed out of a '66 Mustang. Does anyone know if that transmission will bolt up to the original bell housing? Does anyone have an idea what 4-speed manual transmission will bolt up to the existing housing. Thanx
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by PhatPhender54
I'm considering a ST-10 
manual 4-speed out of a 1966 Mustang.
manual 4-speed out of a 1966 Mustang.T-10's were used in misc 1962/66 V8 Ford's & Merc's, all parts are all obsolete, expensive when found.
The Ford top loader (introduced in 1963) was used for decades, is easier to get parts for.
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Ok I'm trying to put this together for you as it helps me too. Ford stuff and how it interchanges in those years is a challenge.
49 and 65 were big change years in Fords. With that said there were things that continued past those years so it takes some research to find the right combination.
So from the available evidence so far. The T-10 4 speed was used pre 65.
So that can possibly mean that the T-10 used the "49-64 universal" Bell housing bolt pattern as Willcap calls it. So it may be a direct bolt on to your 54 3 speed bell. Online conversation suggests that that may be the case.
T10 to Toploader | Mustang Forums at StangNet
As long as the input shaft works out with the flywheel and pilot bearing there are some things you can do like drill new bolt holes ect. ect, to make it fit. Hopefully it is a direct bolt in, looks to be but I can't tell you for sure.
49 and 65 were big change years in Fords. With that said there were things that continued past those years so it takes some research to find the right combination.
So from the available evidence so far. The T-10 4 speed was used pre 65.
T-10's were used in misc 1962/66 V8 Ford's & Merc's, all parts are all obsolete, expensive when found.
T10 to Toploader | Mustang Forums at StangNet
As long as the input shaft works out with the flywheel and pilot bearing there are some things you can do like drill new bolt holes ect. ect, to make it fit. Hopefully it is a direct bolt in, looks to be but I can't tell you for sure.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Tampa Bay Area
Here is a neat little transmission that would be good for an older truck. It is the 3-speed from the same era as the toploader. My point is not the transmission, however, but the seller's comment:
From 64 to 65 the transmission to bell housing bolt pattern changed. It got wider. Also, the bearing retainer which centers the transmission in the bell housing got a little larger in diameter. I know with regards to the toploader 4-speed that most of the early ones with the new bolt pattern (65-67) were drilled for the early pattern as well. Also, the pre-65 bearing retainer can be bolted onto the later toploader 4-speeds and vise-versa. I'll bet the T-10 you are looking at is drilled for both bell housing bolt patterns. I'll also bet the the bearing retainers are interchangeable with other T-10s like the toploader though I am not positive.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-FORD-HOT-ROD-TOPLOADER-3-SPEED-TOP-SHIFT-TRANSMISSION-/261701481851?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cee9fb57b&vxp=mtr
Nelson
This will work for many applications. Just remember that the input bearing retainer is the 65 and later diameter and will not work on 64 and earlier bellhousings. I have an earlier (pre 65) retainer that I can install or will include with the transmission. The case has the dual bolt pattern so it can be used behind 49-80? bellhousings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-FORD-HOT-ROD-TOPLOADER-3-SPEED-TOP-SHIFT-TRANSMISSION-/261701481851?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cee9fb57b&vxp=mtr
Nelson
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Tranny Conversion
OK, thanks everyone for your input. As I continued my research on this conversion, I came to the realization that a T5 (5-speed manual transmission) from the '87-'91 S10's is the way to go. So now the task becomes sourcing the adapter for my Y-block 239 V8 to the T5. Does anyone have a source for the adapters?
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