I have a 1962 F-100 with a 262 6 (original replaced) with what I believe is the original trans (light duty 3 speed, column shift) and a 3.89 rear end. I am performing a restoration and would like to get an overdrive transmission (either manual or automatic) that would be adaptable to the 262. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I'm not sure why my post has not generated any suggestions. Do I need to provide additional information, or is there no solution to my situation? Any responses would be appreciated.

 

The 3-speed plus o/d "toploader" would be good for your application I think. It is not tremendously strong, and has widely-spaced ratios, but those things might be ok for you. There is a tower-shift adapter kit available.
See it here: Toploader Imposters

 

The 262 I-6 was never available with an A/T .. The 223 I-6. depending on the year, was available with either Ford-O-Matic or FX Cruise-O-Matic.

 

Let me come at my question a slightly different way. The 262 is appears to be a less supported engine than the 223. If there is compatibility between the 223 and the 262 at the engine/trans interface, I may have more options. Is the interface between the engine and transmission the same for the 223 and the 262? And if not, what is different?

 

The 262 I-6 (if that's what is really is) was likely swapped in, as it was an option for 1961/64 C550/600 & B/F600; 1963/64 F100/250.

Some 223/262 parts interchange, but the block and head is specific to one or the other, as is the exhaust manifold.

 

Yes, it was replace before I owned it, but I rebuilt the engine a while back and I know it is a 262. My question is regarding the trans/engine interface, is it the same as the 223, if not what is different?

 

Yes, it is the same. Y block v8 is different

Your bell housing may not work for the OD trans, depends on input shaft length and retainer hole size. Clutch will likely be different as well. And driveshaft.

 

Your 3 speed, is it all synchro?

The 223 and 262 bell to block patterns are the same.

The bell to transmission pattern in your year would be the square pattern. The 4 speed OD mentioned above has the later butterfly pattern. It is possible to drill those to fit the square pattern, at least in the iron cased models. Here is some info about them, with pictures. They are patterned on the '60s performance 4 speeds. There are several models of the 4 speed OD. The aluminum cased units have integrated shifters via a top shift or turret with single rail set up. (Thus the SROD, or Single Rail Over Drive moniker)

Toploader Imposters

As mentioned, input length and bearing retainer diameter are questions. For the clutch, use the pressure plate for the engine and a disc that fits the input.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the manual transmission dimensions are the same, as far as the bellhousing bolt pattern, input shaft and clutch requirements, between the 223/262 I6 and 292 V8. If that is correct, then you have a number of options but be aware that there is nothing that will give you overdrive and simply bolt in place, if that is a concern to you.

You can track down a truck 3 speed overdrive, which will probably be the easiest to fit while maintaining a correct appearance but probably the hardest to find.
A T5 is probably the best option since it gets you a first gear that is better than any 3 speed option, with an additional "around town" gear along with the overdrive but it will probably also be the most expensive manual to swap and will be more involved to install.
The RUG 4 speed overdrive might be an option if the input shaft is long enough.

If the transmission uses a smaller than stock input shaft, then the entire clutch will need to be replaced because the pressure plate finger spacing is different.

For an automatic, you will need an adapter. This will probably be the most expensive option since the adapter alone costs about $1000. https://www.transmissionadapters.com/