I know i ask a lot of questions here but im am realy trying to deside what to do
I have a 66 F100, 352 with 22k miles on a solid rebuild. 3speed w/od manual trany, dual flow master exaust. 500 Holly 2 bl carb , and a Dana 44 3.54 rear end ., now i use this truck as my only transportation, daly driver and tow a 18ft boat to the local lakes. I like the od but i dont like to shift ( getting old ) the clutch is a bit grabby in first but other than that it works fine. It has disk brakes and pw steering.here are my present options as i see them
1. Replace the manual with a C6 but i would be running close to 2700 rpm at 70mph.
2. Replace the manual with a C6 and change the rearend gearset to somthing lower (higher ?) like a 3.05.
3. replace the manual with a AOD,( requires Adaptor and maby a carb change) leave the rearend as it is.
4. replace the manual with a built 700R4 ( requires a adaptor )
Do 3 or 4 and change the rear end.

I do not have any experance with the FE motors or drivetrains, I did run a 68 mustang with a 289 hp motor a long time ago when i was young (er) it was a 4 speed and i didnt mind shifting.
So any experance I can get from you folks who have done these things to your trucks would help me greatly in makeing my choice and Im sure saveing me money in the long run. so far the help here has been great.

Thanks

 

You're a flatlander right jav?

If so I'd choose #2. And go with a 3.25:1 gear. that will be a comfortable combo with performance and efficiency both. Torque converter will comopensate for not having a lower rear gear in certain situations, boat ramps, up short hills, etc. I believe a 3.00 is too low for a 352 CID FE, personally. They are big engines but they are not "brutes" in OEM config. Under gearing is as costly as overgearing, hitting a good balance is what you want to do.

AODs are "awright" but they really run better with an ECM managing them. I don't like the GM Metrics they are not known for longevity, and when they break they're pricey just like AODs are pricey. If you ever looked inside an AOD at the chintzey planetaries they have you'd be skeptical about towing anything very far with an AOD tranny.

Thousands of FoMoCo trucks run 352 & 360 engines w/ 3.25:1 rear gears & C-6 A/T in box stock OEM trim and they run fine. Just add largest air cooler you can get into an air flow somewhere in front, like behind your grille, but don't block your radiator.

I think you can get away without a fluid cooler in your radiator if you get an air flow cooler for your ATF that is for a heavier motorhome applications. . .

I run a 3.00 gear but I have a 460. 100 more cubic inches and 500+ lb/ft of torque.

Asking questions is a good thing, not asking them is what's not good. Especially if one doesn't know answers, but seems to me you do know answers. Keep on asking, man. Like I said I'd put my money on #2, personally.

FBp

 

Also, you can have e4od planetry put in the C-6 trans to fix for 1st, & 2nd gearing . Also install bearings in the trans. to keep the hp from being robbed from your engine .

Don