Comments updated 10-15-22

I had a T-98 installed in my 1951 M3 two days ago.

Here’s what I learned after installation, that I did not hear on this forum before the operation:

1. The T9 with its straight cut gears howled as you drove it. Going up the hills by my house in third gear going maybe 15-MPH, it really howled. Sounded great, like an old truck should. With the T-98 and its helical cut gears, it’s QUIETER. It has a little howl, but nowhere like the T9. That’s a minus one for the T-98. (Updated 10-15-22)

2. Going uphill with the T9, upshifting was impossible because you’d lose too many RPMs during the double-clutch operation. With the T-98 you can do it if you’re careful. Plus one for the T-98.

3. Downshifting with the T9 was a bear. Fourth to third was possible if you did it carefully, but third to second was impossible (for me). The T-98 downshifts like a “regular” transmission. That’s a plus one for the T-98.

4. When at a stop with the T9, if you put it in neutral and let the clutch out, when you wanted to go again, you’d push in the clutch but then you had to wait 30-seconds or so to let the internals slow to a stop before you engaged the T9 or you’d grind it for sure. With the T-98, stopping, putting it into neutral and letting the clutch out, then clutching again to start, you can just slide it into gear, no grinding. Plus one for the T-98. (Yeah, I know about shifting into reverse with the T9, then into second to take off from a start. Just because you can do it doesn’t make it any less a pain in the @$$)

5. The shifter on the T-98 rests on the edge of the seat when in second gear on my truck. Doesn’t thrill me but I got used to it.
If I bent the shift handle an inch upward, my knuckles would touch the dash in first gear, which I never use. (Updated 10-15-22)
I think my knuckles would be ok going into third, there seems to be a little more room there.
The other option would be to move the seat back, but alas, I have stubby legs (the outer two) and need the current seat position to reach the pedals.
The throw on the T-98 is longer than the T9, and the shift pattern is a bit wider. (Updated 10-15-22)

Other notes:

1. I did not have to modify the trans tunnel for the T-98

2. I dropped the rear trans mount one-inch for the T-98

3. The top center of my fan blade when at 12-o’clock was one-inch from the top of the fan shroud. We made sure to maintain this dimension during the swap and build.

4. Raised the clutch equalizer ball by ½-inch?

5. Trans was sourced from Chuck’s Trucks. He’s one really nice dude.

6. The driveshaft was cut down. Unknown how much. (Updated 10-15-22)

7. If you want a cheap T9, better contact me QUICK because it’s going to the recycler. I’m in the Everett Washington area. When I say QUICK, I mean QUICK. I will not be holding it longer than a couple of days. (Gone by October 3rd)

8. The T-98 was a good update to the truck. You still have to shift carefully because its 70-year-old technology, not a Honda. (Updated 10-15-22)



Happy motoring out there!

 

What's the engine in your M3/

 

239 V8.
I have to add characters because my reply is too short, so this is me adding characters.
Hopefully the computer will let me post now.

 

LOL 45678910

 

T-98 sure makes the trucks seem more modern. Easier to drive around with impatient drivers.

 

Everyone is looking for something different to get out of their old truck ownership experience. That's why we have such a variety of builds, modifications, and restorations going on. It's what makes our forum interesting and opens us up to new ideas. Someone like me who wants everything stock can read a thread like this and think, "Oh, is a T98 something I could maybe consider?" I'm not actually, but I appreciate knowing that option is out there.

Jim

 

What did the T-98 come out of?

 

I'm actually debating dropping my T9 for a T98 and this helps a ton. I'm assuming the input shaft between the two is the same?

I'm modifying a Cadillac flathead to accept a T9 trans. Really want the T9 to keep the sound and knowing the T98 lacks that is a huge downer. Any other transmissions out there with straight cut gears and synchros?

 

No sure on the F 1's but think the T-98 was standard on some of the larger Bonus built trucks with the 6. We used to look for the syncro silent plate in the cabs in the junk yards.

 

My T98 is out of a 1950 F5.
its now resting in a 51 M3.
Gw

 

SHHHHHHHHHHHH! These specific early Ford T98s are already hard enough to come by!!!

 

My trans was out of a 1950-52 F4 - F6.
Chuck didn't specify. I asked him for a tranny that was date code correct for my truck.
He has some cores in stock, but he waits for an order before he rebuilds one. Makes sense.

 

I have a PTO gear box I took off my T98 if anyone needs one,
Greg

 

I would love to have that PTO......

 

Gary, The PTO will have to be from a '56 or newer T98 to fit your transmission. The direction of the helix on the gears in the transmission was changed in 1956.