Hello All! I just picked up a 4 speed toploader for my truck build. I got it from a salty old timer who seemed to know his way around old fords but would like a second opinion. The trans was an original big block unit but it has a small block input shaft in it. I have the bell housing out of my truck that was a 360 with a borg warner behind it. He explained to me that the small block shafts are 1/2" longer than the big block ones, but since I have a TRUCK bell housing that measures 1/2" longer than the car ones I should be ok. Has anyone else ran or have any problems with this set up?

 

Look at 7017 input shaft in pic. A = Galaxie/LTD; B = Fairlane & Torino (1968/72); F = Mustang; X = Falcon.

 

 

The 390 specific Toploaders had a small block diameter input with the shorter front snout (the portion that extends into the pilot bearing/bushing) I can tell you right now, it's not going to work with the truck bell. The snout will just reach the opening of the pilot bearing/bushing, but will not go into it. This leaves the input unsupported everytime you disengage the clutch. I know, I tried this and destroyed two toploaders in the mid 80's trying to use the truck bell in a 67 Stang. You would need a pilot bushing that extends 5/8" inch out of the crank to have any hope of making this work. The truck bell is 5/8" deeper than the car bells.