Bellhousing the same?
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
Bellhousing the same?
Okay, so I'm thinking about pulling the dead 3 speed manual off the back of my '73 F-100 with a 302, and dropping in either a T-19 or a T-10 (as one nice responder suggested). The question is, will my present bellhousing accept either of these transmissions. I'm not too sure what three speed is in it now, but I'm told it's pretty common.
Any opinions, and thanks up front, Polkat.
Any opinions, and thanks up front, Polkat.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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Bellhousing the same?
You will be looking for either a NP435 or a BW T-18 to bolt into your truck if your looking for a heavyduty 4spd. You will have to get a heavyduty version bellhousing to use one of these trannys the 3spds use lightduty housing. You may have to change your clutch aswell and pilot shaft bearing so be prepared to find all this stuff before you start.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
Bellhousing the same?
Thanks for the help guys! Lets see if I have this straight...it looks like the T-19 might be the way to go, but I'll have to get a heavy duty bellhousing as well. But then there's the top loader as a few people suggested in another question.........so........if I decided to go with the top loader out of some '60's car, would it bolt to my present bellhousing? Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
Bellhousing the same?
Hi Polkat: If you can wait until this weekend, I can compare a T-18 and a toploader to see if the input shafts are the same lenght. I have never heard of a heavy duty bellhousing. The one in my 70 F-250 with a 390 doesn't look any more heavy duty then the one in my 71 Bronco, 302 with a toploader 4 speed. The 390 one may have more room for a larger diameter clutch. 
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Elder User
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From: CA
Bellhousing the same?
Hey thanks!! I'll definately wait to see what you post! If you get the chance, see if the bolt pattern to the bellhousing is the same as well, and perhaps the overall length to the output shaft. I'm guessing that the trans mount is pretty much in the same place on most of these. Thanks again! Polkat
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
Bellhousing the same?
Hi Polkat, I compared a T-18, NP-425, and a toploader. The input shaft to the case of the transmission were all the same length. The bearing retainer and splines were the same od. I am pretty certain that the bellhousing bolt pattern is also the same. Didn't have a bellhousing to try. The toploader is longer and uses a sliding yoke.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
Bellhousing the same?
Thanks for doing that!! Input length was a concern of mine. I've read a lot about different input lengths, but I guess if one looks enough, the right length can be found. The bellhousing pattern is also a concern. If you get a chance, you might measure the top,side and bottom distances between the bolt holes. That ought to tell me. Sorry, I have a lot of experience with Mopars and now I'm just getting into Fords! Thanks again! Polkat
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
Bellhousing the same?
Side to side is 8 1/2", both top and bottom. Verticle is 6 3/8", both sides the same. I might be off slightly but should be pretty close. 
I have seen two different toploader to bellhousing bolt patterns. One type had a smaller pattern since it didn't have the mounting ears sticking out. Most have the ears. I have seen bellhousings with both sets of holes in them. 
I have seen two different toploader to bellhousing bolt patterns. One type had a smaller pattern since it didn't have the mounting ears sticking out. Most have the ears. I have seen bellhousings with both sets of holes in them. 
