Just bought a 1961 Ford econoline pickup, looking to replace the 144 c.i and was wondering what transmissions will fit the 240. Thanks

 

The transmission is not the problem, you need the correct tailshaft. Tailshaft is unique to the Econoline.

You can make a 3 speed, 4 speed or C4 fit.

Of course, you can always fab up your own tailshaft hanger.

 

Tailshaft?? Learning something new everyday

 

the back of the trans where the mount in bolted to. different tailshaft lengths for different vehicles.

 

Yes. You have three parts. Bellhousing (where the clutch or torque converter is), transmission body (the parts that has all the gears, the guts of the transmission) and tailshaft.

Transmission bodies did not change much. Bellhousing bolt patterns changed with the engines, so matching up the bellhousing to the engine will be tricky part. Tailshafts are generally unique to the model of car/truck.

 

Here is the information about the transmissions that came in the Econolines
Econoline Transmissions

The tailshaft on the first-gen Econoline transmissions are very short compared to other vehicles. This is due to the short distance between the engine and rear axle, and the desire to keep the driveshaft as long as possible. I have seen transmissions with the regular long tailshaft in an old Econoline, but the custom driveshaft was very short, which might cause other problems.

A transmission for a 240 engine from a 1965-1967 Econoline will have the proper tailshaft. You could get a 3.03 transmission from another vehicle and swap out the tailshaft and tailshaft housing from an Econoline.

Your biggest issue is the frame. The frame in the 1961 Econoline was too thin for the puny 144 cui engine. The torque from the engine cracks the frame over time. You need to beef up the frame to handle the extra power and weight of the 240.

You also need a crossover bar to go from frame to frame on to which you mount your engine. The engine mounting arms in the 1961-1964 Econolines were barely strong enough for the 170 engine.

You need a different rear axle. The peanut rear axle that came with the 144 is too small for anything over 170 cui. The Ford 9" rear axle was an option on the Econolines from 1963-1967. Any of those axles could swap into your 1961, after you strengthen the frame. Axle information


You might know all of this, so I post for others who may be thinking about doing the same.

 

Although I will not say that it is impossible, you will need a lot of luck (or cash) to find an Econoline specific 9". In fact, finding a good 9" of any kind can be hard (at least expensive) as the hot rodders started eating up the supply decades ago.

The Econoline axle was narrow. Assuming you find a 9", it will have to be modified.

 

dont think there narrow there 61 inches wide. but the spring perches location are not like other cars.

 

I read here the recommendation for strengthening the frame on the older '61-'62 Econoline when upgrading the transmission. Has anyone done that? Then, what location was reinforced and how was it done?
Just curious. I recently purchased a '62 Econoline and had thoughts of switching from the 3spd to an auto trans. Also new to the forum so I'm searching for any info on the matter. Thanks!

 

Is the 7.25 differential center section the same as in the Mustang/Falcon? I've got a buddy's '63 Club Wagon that the Ring and Pinion gear seems fine, but the spider gears have a "spot" that doesn't feel quite right. He's gonna take it easy on the old guy, so my assumption is to repair the diff that's in it should be a viable option (Sorry for the slight thread hijack). I'm also needing parts for the broken Dagenham 4 Speed currently in the van.
Edit: I found a complete trans out of a Falcon (paid a lot for it), and the correct main shaft off of eBay, and also found a good 7 1/4 center section out of a Mustang. The stuff is out there if you look hard enough. Good luck with your build.