Transmissions

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 21, 2006 | 02:17 AM

wmjoe1953

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,906

Likes: 82

From: Oregon

Transmissions

OK, I know, I need to slow down on the truck stuff. We're looking to put a newer V-8 in the F-600, but I don't want to swap the tranny. It has the original 4 speed, with two speed rear. I want to use either a newer big block, like the 460, or maybe a 302/351 motor. Has anyone done this, and will the stock tranny fit behind a 302 or 351 or even a 460? The motor we're replacing, is a 254 flat head six. Would I just be better off changing the tranny too? I don't want to go auto.

May 21, 2006 | 10:46 AM

51dueller

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 6,682

Likes: 12

From: Saskatoon SK Canada

In the '70s you would get a F-600-800 with a 370, 429 (same engine family) with a 5 spd. This probally would fit very well with minor modifications.

May 21, 2006 | 10:55 AM

imlowr2

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 3,005

Likes: 2

From: Santa Clarita

I don't know about 4 speed transmission. I could tell you with an automatic, but Mid Fifties and several other F100 parts suppliers sell a kit which comes with everything to convert your engine to the newer 302, etc. It comes with the tranny mounts for a clean and easy conversion.

May 21, 2006 | 01:25 PM

fabmandelux

Post Fiend

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 26,337

Likes: 12

From: Paradise Found!

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmjoe1953

Joe, keep your eye out for a MEL from a Lincoln or a Mercury, late 50s early 60s. They bolt right up to FE bellhousings/which gives you trans options thru the 70s.

I've done several and have one in progress right now. I know how you like Big Job trucks so picture this: 1972 F-350 chassis which was a UP rail truck with 1/2" "fish-plate" from the factory, rebuilt stock front end incl new springs,430CI MEL hooked to a built C-6 with a Warn Overdrive, Dana 70 4/11 with Detroit Locker. Cab and Front-end will be the 56 F-600 that is in my freebie thread, twin polished 50 gal Aluminum saddle tanks and a stock semi 5th wheel. All I'm missing now is an old 24" sleeper! Ill keep my eye open for one if you'd like?

FABMANDELUX.

May 21, 2006 | 05:17 PM

F6Guy

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 833

Likes: 0

Check out Hot Rod and Custom Supply, they sell all kinds of bell housings to attach older trannies to newer engines.

May 21, 2006 | 09:53 PM

56f600

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 358

Likes: 0

From: Joyce, WA

When I was looking to repower my '56 f600, I also wanted to keep the original tranny. I ended up swapping a 390 and four speed from a '68 f250. Used the tranny crossmember out of the f350 and bought the engine mount crossmember kit. Vewry slick set up with really no problems. I wanted to keep the manual because it has a pto to drive my dump hydraulics. My suggestion is go with a newer transmission along with the newer engine.

May 21, 2006 | 11:11 PM

wmjoe1953

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,906

Likes: 82

From: Oregon

I wanted to go the 302 or 351 route due to price and availability of parts. I'm considering the options. I don't want to stay Y-block vintage due to the price and availibility of their parts. I want to stay manual transmission, due to the service it will do. It's going to become the farm truck on the 20 acres we are moving onto. I don't really care for the 390 motors that much. I did consider going the Cummins or P-Stroke route with it though, but also considering the option of hardened seats and valves, and running it on ethanol. A 13.5:1 small block in a 53 Ford F-600, that would be wild. Maybe a propane truck. I'll do some looking for the transmission adapters, but keep the ideas rolling. I'm used to keeping these trucks close to stock, so other than my F-800, and the 53 F-100 we used to have, this going to be my first major engine modification.