I got this old truck and it has a T18 four speed in it. It acts just like the tranny that was in my '86 Bronco (full size with a i300 six). Has that really low first gear and the rest normalish. It was just like having a three speed on the floor. The first gear was basically useless. We always started out in second gear. Is the same in this truck. On the 14 mile drive home (the only time I've driven it) I only used first gear when I started out because I had to put it in gear and then start it and begin driving. Clutch didn't work. I have also driven '80's Ford P/U's with a really high first gear as well. Seems like you had to slip the clutch a lot to get them outta their tracks. What I want is the "in between" tranny. This truck will be basically back-up transportation and my landfill truck. I'm gonna pimp it out a little too. What I want is a normally functioning 4 speed. One where you actually use first gear. What tranny do I want? I'm not opposed to a newer 5 speed as long as I didn't have to do too much chopping and such. I gotta have a new driveline built soon sooo any suggestions? BTW the truck is a SWB Flareside.

 

There is none. The OD 4 speeds have a 3.27 or so 1st, but have a big gap 2nd to 3rd. Might work for you, but not as strong as your box.

You have a F100 or F150? If so, you may have a 9" diff. The carrier pops right out, and you can install taller gears much easier than a trans swap. Then you could use your low first gear....

 

So, no close ratio 4 speed huh? Dang it! I hate the thought of an automatic. It's the only rig with a stir stick I got now. Kinda miss shifting.

 

You can put the car top loader 4 speed in there, but with a 2.78 first gear, you are going to need a push car if you stop on a hill.

You got a 9" diff?

 

there is a close ratio t-18 or 19. it is hard to find. jeep used them alot in the 70s. i believe theirs was the t-18b. you cant tell the difference unless you pull the shifter/top plate off and look at first gear. the granny 1st gear will be huge, straight cut, and unsyncronized. the high normal 1st gear will be a normal looking gear.

 

One day you will be at the landfill wishing you had that low 1st ratio, Just start in 2nd if it matches the conditions, If your not slipping the clutch to get it moving no harm no foul!!

 

What's so great about having four gears? I have a T-18 in my pickup and I like it just fine. The granny low doesn't get used a whole lot, but I was glad it was there the few times I did need it. The other three gears seem to cover the spread pretty well.

 

Yes, I have a 9" diff.. I like the idea of a top loader car tranny. What I'm after is a tranny that works like a car tranny anyway. I never had nor will I ever have a need for such a low first gear. My diff. ratio is 3.70:1. This ain't no heavy duty truck and I don't intend on pulling any heavy loads with it anyway. I am even planning on finding an old 300ci. six to put back in it. Don't really need a 360 and it's crappy fuel mileage. I'm old and have had my share of hot cars and trucks, don't need another one now. Just want a nice cool old truck to drive around in.

 

I'm with andym. I had a T-18 in my old '77 F150 4x2. Worked great. I drove it just like a 3-speed. There was never a need to slip the clutch when starting out in second. That low first gear comes in handy when you're at the boat launch. I also had a T-18 in my '79 Jeep CJ7 with AMC 304. Great tough transmissions. Low gear also comes in handy when the traffic is crawling along. I could also pop wheelies in the Jeep. The T-18 is by far stronger than a close ratio car transmission swapped in a truck.You have to consider that most trucks weigh more than cars.

 

OK, what I'm saying is to swap out the 3.70s for maybe a 3.0. You will still be able to 2nd gear start most of the time, but the low first will take care of hills and loads. LOTS easier than a trans swap. The car toploader is going to have a 2.78 first gear. Unless you go to 4.11s that's pretty tall. And if you stay with 3.70s or go 4.11s, you are revving to the moon on the highway.

Check around for the 9 inch. I'd just buy the whole thing and keep the 3.70s in the shop. You can plug in your tire size, gears etc here to see the rpm differences.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/gearing.htm