I'm looking to swap the 215/T98 out of my '53 for a 352 and 4 speed manual from a '66 F100.

I've found the crossmember and mounts for the engine swap, but I'm unsure about the transmission mounting. Is the T-18/19 in the '66 close enough in size to the T98 to use the stock crossmember with a little modification? Or will I need a completely new setup? (I know TransDapt makes universal trans crossmembers but I don't know if I'll need one with no drop, or some sort of drop to maintain the pinion angle.)

Also, I know a new radiator is in order, but the current one is leaking badly, so a replacement is already in the budget.

Any other obstacles to making this swap a smooth one?

TIA

 

Your '53 trans is hanging from the bell housing, the '66 is supported by a cross member.
The clutch linkage would need to be adapted too as it pivots on a boss on the trans.

 

Sorry, should have been clearer on that. Does anyone know if the stock trans crossmember from the '66 will work in the '53 frame with minimal modifications? I'm hoping the T18 setup can be massaged to work without moving too much stuff in the '53, since the T98 and T18 are extremely similar dimensionally (but you know how that goes).

I didn't know about the clutch linkage, so thanks for that info. Just something else to think about...

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...h-brake-2.html

Lots of good information about the clutch linkage here.

 

The '66 trans X member is the right width, but height depends on how the engine is mounted.
Also in '66 the engine and trans was offset 2" to the right of the frame center line....so that might cause issues. If you have one, try it and see if it will work.

 

I made my own transmission mount/cross member from 2''x2'' square tubing with a drop in the middle.

 

you can do this and avoid all the guessing

http://jniolon.classicpickup.com/tra...ember/tcm.html

later
John

 

I plan on using one of Trans Dapt's FE crossmembers to mount the engine, and I'm assuming that centers the engine in the frame without offset. Since I have neither the engine nor mount in hand, I'll have to get those pieces and do some mocking up.

I'm supposed to make the 4 hour round trip, plus some time to help the guy pull the engine, on Thursday.

@Fomoko1, @jniolon - thanks for that info.