TR4050 Behind FE
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Iowa
TR4050 Behind FE
I have been looking into putting a Tremec 4050 behind a 390 FE in my 1973 F250 4x4. From what I've found it is a decent transmission that meets my criteria. It shares the input shaft length and spline count (6 1/2" long 10-spline) of the NP435, and is offered in a 2wd configuration (with a yoke out of the back) and an O/D gear. I've found an adapter kit that may work for the bellhousing from advance adapters although the website says its for the 300/302/351 bellhousings. From my understanding the bellhousing to case bolt spread is the same, I don't have both styles to compare. I also realize the TR4050 requires a hydraulic clutch setup, the crossmember would need to move, the transmission to t-case driveshaft would need the length adjusted, and would require a different pilot bearing. What has been done to make one of these work?
I am looking for a bit more information on the swap before I start. My truck has a divorced T-case (NP205) that I plan on keeping, and it currently has an NP435. I don't currently own a TR4050 but plan on buying one soon if the swap sounds doable enough.
Side note: when looking into these transmissions, I noticed that the ford configuration has a different 1st gear ratio.
Ford: 5.81
Dodge/GM: 6.16
Link for Adapter: : https://www.advanceadapters.com/dodge-nv4500-to-ford-v8-bhsg?srsltid=AfmBOooS4_-MSR0jDFjcD_dNAntX2wzoukNUi91-FDC0jHw43Pmphv-Kf3w
Link for Ford configuration: https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...saAiAxEALw_wcB
I am looking for a bit more information on the swap before I start. My truck has a divorced T-case (NP205) that I plan on keeping, and it currently has an NP435. I don't currently own a TR4050 but plan on buying one soon if the swap sounds doable enough.
Side note: when looking into these transmissions, I noticed that the ford configuration has a different 1st gear ratio.
Ford: 5.81
Dodge/GM: 6.16
Link for Adapter: : https://www.advanceadapters.com/dodge-nv4500-to-ford-v8-bhsg?srsltid=AfmBOooS4_-MSR0jDFjcD_dNAntX2wzoukNUi91-FDC0jHw43Pmphv-Kf3w
Link for Ford configuration: https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...saAiAxEALw_wcB
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 323
From: SW PA
I think quicktime offers a bell housing that will work.
The TR 4050 transmission on paper seems really really good!
If it wasn't for the approx. $5k in all-in cost (converting from auto) I would love to put one in my supercab.
The TR 4050 transmission on paper seems really really good!
If it wasn't for the approx. $5k in all-in cost (converting from auto) I would love to put one in my supercab.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Iowa
I did some looking into that QuickTime bell and I think it would put the input shaft too far from the back of the crank. The input is 6 1/2 long and the bell is 7” deep. I’ll try to contact them and see
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,857
Likes: 609
From: Minnesota
That is a good looking option. I see adds for these in the $3,200 range.
https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...8aAos2EALw_wcB
https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...8aAos2EALw_wcB
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 141
Likes: 46
From: Austin, TX
I considered doing this on my 76. The motor needed a lot so I ended up doing a full swap - TR4050 and 347 stroker.
You're correct that you'll need a hydraulic clutch, and I highly recommend Centerforce; it works/feels great and even the rubber pad looks stock.
You're correct that you'll need a hydraulic clutch, and I highly recommend Centerforce; it works/feels great and even the rubber pad looks stock.
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Iowa
Following up on this thread, after doing some more digging I’ve found a few different variations of this transmission. As mentioned before, the Dodge and GM configurations are identical internally. Ford has the different low ratio.
One thing I’ve noticed was certain websites only carry the GM and Dodge configuration. Just something to look out for. I have a while yet before I am ready to purchase the transmission and perform the swap.
I’ll keep the centerforce hydraulic setup in mind. For those who have done it, did you have to modify the transmission tunnel at all? How did you do the crossmember?
One thing I’ve noticed was certain websites only carry the GM and Dodge configuration. Just something to look out for. I have a while yet before I am ready to purchase the transmission and perform the swap.
I’ll keep the centerforce hydraulic setup in mind. For those who have done it, did you have to modify the transmission tunnel at all? How did you do the crossmember?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,898
Likes: 2,372
Why not just do a Gearvendor?
I put one on my '76 highboy and I love it. fits between the NP435 and the T case so no alterations were needed except a T case shifter mount and double joint coupler. now I have a 7 speed and it goes down the road at 60MPH turning 2,000.
I put one on my '76 highboy and I love it. fits between the NP435 and the T case so no alterations were needed except a T case shifter mount and double joint coupler. now I have a 7 speed and it goes down the road at 60MPH turning 2,000.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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when you install the GV the rear housing on the NP435 has to come off and you lose your shifter mount. I just made an L bracket that bolts to the crossmember to reinstall it in the same location.
Since the GV goes between the trans and T case your speedometer and 4WD still work as before. I just mounted a small rocker switch on the shifter and that's about all there is to it. Tom Woods made me the coupler to connect up.
Since the GV goes between the trans and T case your speedometer and 4WD still work as before. I just mounted a small rocker switch on the shifter and that's about all there is to it. Tom Woods made me the coupler to connect up.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Iowa
Why not just do a Gearvendor?
I put one on my '76 highboy and I love it. fits between the NP435 and the T case so no alterations were needed except a T case shifter mount and double joint coupler. now I have a 7 speed and it goes down the road at 60MPH turning 2,000.
I put one on my '76 highboy and I love it. fits between the NP435 and the T case so no alterations were needed except a T case shifter mount and double joint coupler. now I have a 7 speed and it goes down the road at 60MPH turning 2,000.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,898
Likes: 2,372
The GV can be installed in an easy day. that's simple. and the numbers I'm seeing for the transmission set up are considerably more expensive. so I don't see any savings and you have 5 gears not 7. just say'in.
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Iowa
I would like to add, I am not set on anything yet. I have a long way to go before I get to that point so I will take your points into consideration.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,898
Likes: 2,372
I just like what works best. I'm too old to enjoy reinventing the wheel.
I have a couple Tremec TKX's in cars and they are one of their cheaper transmissions, still as much as the GV so don't get your hopes up.
The other thing is the Tremec has to have the input PERFECTLY squared with the Crank ask me how I know. that was fun. and then there's all the other crap that goes with a conversion like this.
But if you have the time, money and desire anything is possible so you can do it. good luck.
I have a couple Tremec TKX's in cars and they are one of their cheaper transmissions, still as much as the GV so don't get your hopes up.
The other thing is the Tremec has to have the input PERFECTLY squared with the Crank ask me how I know. that was fun. and then there's all the other crap that goes with a conversion like this.
But if you have the time, money and desire anything is possible so you can do it. good luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 323
From: SW PA
Would have to agree with 440 Sixpack....the GV will give you essentially the same OD ratio as the TR4050 and is overall cheaper and easier to install. On top of that you get more gears.
The TR4050 makes sense if a guy needs a new transmission in the first place...at that point the cost for a rebuilt stock trans and GV unit combined are greater than the 4050.
The TR4050 makes sense if a guy needs a new transmission in the first place...at that point the cost for a rebuilt stock trans and GV unit combined are greater than the 4050.
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