Column shift to floor conversion...
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Column shift to floor conversion...
I've seen a couple of the other threads asking about converting the column shift to floor shift, but those seemed to revolve around just changing the shift mechanism. I am wondering if I could replace the transmission, a Borg-Warner w/OD and column shift, with a 4 or 5 speed transmission to both gain a floor shift and more gears than the 3 speed.
Would anyone be able to offer advise on what 4 or 5 speed transmission would be an easy drop in replacement that would hook to the original 390 engine? I'm assuming that the clutch pedal linkage and such wouldn't need to be modded, just redirected to the new transmission?
Thanks in advance for any assistance offered.
Would anyone be able to offer advise on what 4 or 5 speed transmission would be an easy drop in replacement that would hook to the original 390 engine? I'm assuming that the clutch pedal linkage and such wouldn't need to be modded, just redirected to the new transmission?
Thanks in advance for any assistance offered.
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From: Barre Mass
I've never seen a column shifter with more than 2 linkages. I don't think you can squeeze more than 2 linkages into the steering column without fabricating and some magic. All 4 and 5 speed tranys will work you just may need an adapter to make it bolt up. I'm sure there are plenty of FTE persons around that have done this and can offer more specific details.
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I apologize; I think I wasn't clear. I'm hoping to switch from a column to floor shift by changing the transmission to a 4 or 5 speed, and was wondering how simple this would be, and what transmission options might keep it simple.
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From: Barre Mass
Should be very doable. Ford 4 speed trans no OD will have same final drive as your 3 speed. The difference will be 1st to 2nd. Many will have a granny gear used for pulling something heave out of the hole.(Not much speed) 2nd gear would be similar to your 1st gear. A 5 speed OD trans like a tremec tk5 may bolt in, just have to carve a hole in the floor for the shifter.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Phoenix, Az.
The granny gear 4 speeds will bolt right up to the FE block. If they were bolted to one originally. Warner T18's shift pattern is reverse to the right and up. New process 435's pattern is reverse over to the right and down. Depending on what wheelbase and rear end you have the driveshaft may even be the same. But as Brian said, no overdrive. HioSilver put a Tremec TKO-500 5 speed in his rig. Orich and others put a Dodge NV4500 5 speed in theirs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: North Pole, Alaska
Au contraire, Jeff. I believe that the T-18 reverse pattern changed in 77, as I think that my dad's 77 150 was down and my 79 260's T-18 is down for sure.
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From: Kenner,La.
From the tree to the floor
Since the shift stalk is at the rear of the 5 speeds you will need to bolt a 2"x3/8" piece of flat stock to extend the shift handle mounting point forward 6"to 8" so the shift handle will clear the seat for adjustment. Hurst has a wide variety of handles that you can get from Jegs or Summit. Shift On!
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