Hey everyone,

I have a 56 F-100 which the ID plate says is a 272 but the original owner swore that it was a 292. Either way it has a 3HD transmission in it now and I'm purchasing a 3 OD trannsmission from a 64 F-100 to replace it with. My first question here is if there is any difference between a 292 and a 272 when it comes to bellhousings. I thought the only difference was in the bore. Secondly, should that transmission (I'm assuming its a T-86E or similar but I have to check that out when I go to look tomorrow) from the 64 bolt to my bellhousing from my 3 HD? Otherwise if I find a bellhousing that fits the OD tranny will it fit my 272/292? Thanks in advance for all who have any knowledge they can share with me on this subject.

Mike

 

You have no problems with the bellhousing interchanging between a 272 and a 292.

The real problem you have is what you mean by a an "HD" 3 speed. If you mean the heavy duty T87 3 speed that looks a lot like a T98 4 speed, where the shifter comes directly out of the top of the box, you will need a different bellhousing.

If, by "HD," you mean the medium duty T89, which is a sideshifter box that is very similar to a T85 car 3 speed or the T10 4 speed (The cover on the side has 9 bolts and looks like the letter "D" with the straight side facing up), then you are in luck and your T86 OD should bolt up -- and it will be right as long as it really is a 64 or before TRUCK box with a 7 1/8" input shaft (not like the car box and later truck boxes, with a 6 1/2" input shaft.)

 

I think it is the T-87. The plate on the door says "3HD"

Mike

 

If I call around for a bellhousing, will any from a 3spd (not HD) work with my engine? I'm assuming that 64 is the cutoff year for a bellhousing that will fit.
Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate the help.

Mike

 

The 3 sp HD and the 4 sp T98 both have a 5 1/8" in input bearing retainer hole, and the bolt pattern is the same.

The 3 sp MD and LD both have an input bearing retainer hole of 4.675" and the 64 and previous bolt pattern that car transmissions use. It is tall, but the bottom holes are close together and the top ones are close together. In addtion, the fasteners are not as large as the 3 sp HD and 4 sp T98.

F100 Truck bellhousings from 64 and previous have the motor mounts on the bell housing.