Transmission Matchup

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Jan 18, 2006 | 11:47 AM

hippyman01

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Transmission Matchup

Ok, I have 3 questions for your wizards. You all have saved my butt so many times in the past, and I figure you'll be able to help me out with these as well. I have a 1955 F-100 and am taking out the original 239 engine and dropping in a 1972 Ford p/u 302.
1. Will the 302 and the original 3-on-a-tree transmission match up?
2. When looking for a clutch kit, do i need to take the engine or the transmission into consideration?
3. How much should I sell the 239 engine for (it runs perfectly... just a little underpowered for my liking...)

Thanks as always!!!!!!

Jan 18, 2006 | 01:58 PM

312

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the trans wouldnt match.the clutch kit must match your trans and flywheel.the 239 isnt worth a lot.

Jan 18, 2006 | 02:32 PM

klatt_89

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From: Lindsborg, KS

I have a SROD tranny, 3 spd with 4th being od for a 302. I also have the bellhousing etc for the 302. I agree, the trans from then won't match on the 302. I am putting a '73 MerCruiser 302 in my '57 F-250, and going with a M5OD tranny for my truck. You will need to buy the mount kit to put the 302 in your truck. Also, the tranny/flywheel are what you need to consider when selecting a clutch.

Hope this helps

Dustin

Jan 18, 2006 | 08:46 PM

hippyman01

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So if you don't think the original tranny will match up, what trannies would you suggest, how much are they, and what all else would I need to make the 302 engine and corresponding transmission fit my truck? Thanks a million as always.

Jan 19, 2006 | 04:27 PM

Fordknut

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From: Upstate NY

I put a '56 "automobile" 3 speed w/OD tranny in my '75 F-100. The truck (and car) 240/300/302/351 cast iron bell housings have the "bosses" cast into them for the early narrow tranny bolt pattern. You have to drill and tap the bell to fit the early pattern. The other little problem I had was the input shaft on the '56 tranny was about 7/16" too short. I had a thick pilot bushing machined out of "oillite" bronze that "reached out" to the end of the input shaft. Drove this for 75,000 miles without a problem. As I recall, I had to use a newer bearing retainer to properly fit the center hole of the newer bell as well.

Last edited by Fordknut; Jan 19, 2006 at 04:36 PM. Reason: hit the send button before I was finished

Jan 19, 2006 | 07:24 PM

Fomoko1

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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

I would use the tran / bell housing / clutch assembly from a later 302 truck . This way everything will match up and work porperly.

Jan 19, 2006 | 08:52 PM

Fordknut

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From: Upstate NY

And.......if you want to go with an overdrive tranny, there are the 4 speed toploader overdrive units out there that came in 80s F-150s. I later replaced the '56 O.D. unit with one from a '65 Fairlane and that one was a direct bolt-in. I can't remember whether or not the '55 P.U. had the rear mounts on the bellhousing or the tranny tailshaft. Building a crossmember if necessary is probably not a big deal.