'57 Small block/top loader swap
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
'57 Small block/top loader swap
I called one of dads ol buds today that still junks some and was asking about 57-60 F-100 parts in general and Y block stuff. Said he didn't have anything for me but he has a small block that has a 4 speed top loader bolted to it that he might be interested in selling.
I am not worried so much about getting the engine to fit just fine but was wondering if the top loader will require a taller transmission tunnel to fit in my truck which has the 3 speed column shifter.
Any advice or leads if this will require a different transmission tunnel?
What about clutch setup since mine is hydraulic and I am thinking he said the truck this came out of had mechanical linkage??
I am not worried so much about getting the engine to fit just fine but was wondering if the top loader will require a taller transmission tunnel to fit in my truck which has the 3 speed column shifter.
Any advice or leads if this will require a different transmission tunnel?
What about clutch setup since mine is hydraulic and I am thinking he said the truck this came out of had mechanical linkage??
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,536
Likes: 2,837
Is this a performance car transmission or a top loaded truck transmission?
The car transmission will easily fit where the 3 speed was.
Linkage may be an issue depending on what it came out of.
Measure it out and you will be able to find a solution.
Are you just bringing the transmission?
The car transmission will easily fit where the 3 speed was.
Linkage may be an issue depending on what it came out of.
Measure it out and you will be able to find a solution.
Are you just bringing the transmission?
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
Car transmission. From my understanding there were 3 different ones depending on power plant ahead of them. I will be getting the complete rig if I buy it. Engine, bell housing and transmission with linkage.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,536
Likes: 2,837
Are you going to transplant the whole thing? Or just trans?
Toploader info:
https://www.5speeds.com/toploader.html
https://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/
Toploader info:
https://www.5speeds.com/toploader.html
https://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
Planned on an engine mount kit.
No clue on cubic inches or year yet. He just knew 289, 302 or 351. Got it from an estate recently and hasn't had time to look i to it. I just told him I may be interested of price was right and if it looked like a decent swap. Engine fit, set up isn't of much concern, pretty easy there. Its more of the transmission fit because of height and will I need a different tunnel, and if I can stick w hydraulic clutch or will need to swap to a linkage style clutch.
No clue on cubic inches or year yet. He just knew 289, 302 or 351. Got it from an estate recently and hasn't had time to look i to it. I just told him I may be interested of price was right and if it looked like a decent swap. Engine fit, set up isn't of much concern, pretty easy there. Its more of the transmission fit because of height and will I need a different tunnel, and if I can stick w hydraulic clutch or will need to swap to a linkage style clutch.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,536
Likes: 2,837
My '85 E150 and a lot of others from that era had a hydraulic clutch with an external slave cylinder acting on a fork out the side of the bell.
Some links here to show what I'm talking about.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20816038
Might be same, second link:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18918174
More background:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18271323
You may have to fabricate a mount for the slave to operate the fork.
You could also search out an '84 & up bell that would fit your combination.
I can't find exactly what I was looking for illustration wise but I bet you've got the idea.
Some links here to show what I'm talking about.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20816038
Might be same, second link:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18918174
More background:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18271323
You may have to fabricate a mount for the slave to operate the fork.
You could also search out an '84 & up bell that would fit your combination.
I can't find exactly what I was looking for illustration wise but I bet you've got the idea.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,536
Likes: 2,837
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 310
From: Kenner,La.
Small block swap
If the original transmission is still bolted to the engine there is a good chance that the transmission has the wide ratio gear set which is a good combination for the street. Hopefully it also has a Hurst shifter. If the speedometer output hole is on the passenger side then you will need a different gear on the end of the cable. David Kee Toploaders should be able to help you if you have any questions. There is a tag on the case and he can tell you more about it.
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
If the original transmission is still bolted to the engine there is a good chance that the transmission has the wide ratio gear set which is a good combination for the street. Hopefully it also has a Hurst shifter. If the speedometer output hole is on the passenger side then you will need a different gear on the end of the cable. David Kee Toploaders should be able to help you if you have any questions. There is a tag on the case and he can tell you more about it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Johsens
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Jul 19, 2012 11:54 PM
fiftysixfordf250
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Oct 16, 2011 09:17 AM