NP435 vs. T-18

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Mar 1, 2004 | 07:13 AM

lenrsmith

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From: Kentucky

NP435 vs. T-18

I am planning to swap a C6 in a 1978 F-250 4x4 SuperCab for a 4-speed manual. I have the option of using either the NP435 or the T-18. Which one is better?

Leonard

Mar 1, 2004 | 01:14 PM

Big Orn

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From: NE Texas

This could lead to many matters of opinion - But, I like the T-18 because it is all cast iron and the NP435 has the aluminum shift cover. Plus, the T-18 is a more rugged design - JMHO.

Mar 1, 2004 | 03:00 PM

Boss_358

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From: Benton County, MN

I don't think you can go wrong either way. When it doubt, take them both!

Mar 1, 2004 | 08:44 PM

78fordman

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From: Jefferson, Iowa

The NP 435 has bearings in places where the T-18 has bbushings, but both are very strong transmissions.

Mar 1, 2004 | 10:59 PM

hoxiii

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From: Pittsburgh

Apparently ford thought the NP 435 was a stronger unit. They only offered the T-18 in light duty trucks, offered the T-19 (the 18's "big brother") only up to the LN 600 series, but offered the 435 up to the LN 700 medium duty trucks.

The 435 also has a live counter shaft as compared to the t-18's dummy shaft. neither is really better in operation, but the live shaft is better in failure. If the live shaft fails it destroys the bearings that support it. if the dummy shaft fails it destroys the case that supports it. Not good.

The 435 has a full taper bearing on the input as compared to the ball unit on the 18. This allows it to handle more input torque.

Those along with the 6.69 1st of the 435 v. the 6.32 of the 18 make the 435 my first choice.

On our trucks you can't really go wrong with either one, but the 435 has its pluses.

Justin

Mar 2, 2004 | 07:39 AM

lenrsmith

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From: Kentucky

Thanks for the help everyone.

Leonard

Mar 2, 2004 | 01:09 PM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

Thanks hoxxii!

That was the first time I saw a complete list of pros and cons. Learned something new.

Mar 2, 2004 | 09:50 PM

swann79

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From: Kemmerer, Wyoming

Here's a ?... I used to know this, but it's been a few beers, er, I mean years.

Which one has the PTO opening in the case? Or is it both?

Mar 2, 2004 | 09:57 PM

#10

hoxiii

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From: Pittsburgh

I did alot of looking into these trannies for my 4x conversion. My truck came with a 435 but the 4x tranny i got happened to be a T-18. I experience the failed dummy shaft on this one, luckily it didn't demolish the case, just tore the bores up a bit, nothing some permatex couldn't fix

So alas, I have to settle with the t-18 for now, but i'm looking into making my 4x3 435 into a 4x4 435, get back some of the gearing i lost going from NP 208 to NP 205.

They both have 6 bolt PTO ports on the passengers side.

But like I said earlier, in a half ton application you can't go wrong either way.

Justin

Last edited by hoxiii; Mar 2, 2004 at 10:00 PM.

Mar 2, 2004 | 10:36 PM

#11

biz4two

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From: Albuquerque

Looks like the NP435 is better. Does anyone know when they were available?

T18 ??? years
NP435 ??? years

Mar 2, 2004 | 10:51 PM

#12

hoxiii

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From: Pittsburgh

They were both available side by side up from ? until 1986.

Justin

Mar 3, 2004 | 01:53 AM

#13

Pentekno2

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From: KC Metro

The 435 as you well know also has a slightly lower 1st gear range.

I have a NP435 myself, I traded a T-18 straight up with a 4x4 yard for it. They are pretty equal as far as operation of the transmission goes. Once more,as they said about the failure circumstances and results. The 435 is slightly better in that sense.

-Pentekno2