top loader

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 12, 2002 | 11:39 PM

AggiePSD

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 541

Likes: 0

From: Victoria, Texas

top loader

This is one of those things that everyone else knows except me, but im going to ask it anyways. What is a top loader transmission, and how is it different from one that is not? I dont have much experience in the manual tranny area, just autos. Thanks in advance.
Travis

Nov 13, 2002 | 05:36 PM

Ford_Six

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

Likes: 22

From: The Big, Oregon

top loader

A top loader is just that, the shifter goes through the top of the case and has internal linkage. A non- top loader has external linkage, like when the shifter is mounted on the column. Top loaders are vastly superior, and all manual trannys put in production vehicles today are top loaders.

Jared

Nov 13, 2002 | 07:04 PM

Polkat

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 662

Likes: 0

From: CA

top loader

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Nov-02 AT 08:14 PM (EST)]A Ford top loader manual transmission gets it's name from the fact that all parts are loaded from the top!! There is a flattish plate that bolts on the top to cover it. Traditional toploaders can be three or four speeds, or three speed with overdrive. The shifter does not go through the top, but is mounted on the side is in most conventional transmissions. Transmissions with the shifter going through the top, such as the T-18 and the T-19 and others, may load a few parts through the top, but are not considered toploaders in the classic sense! These type transmissions load most of there parts through the side (or front/rear), and could be considered side loaders. Ford toploaders shift quite nicely, and have several ratios. All brands of manual transmissions that load parts through the top could be considered toploaders, but the name has stuck as a classic Ford transmission (most commonly associated with the 4 speed). To find out more, look for David Lee's Toploader website.