Has anyone installed a Ford Top loader 3 speed to a 292? I have a 1956 F100 and would like build or have built a stroker Y-block. The trouble is I would like to keep "3 on the Tree". The light duty 3 speed won't handle the extra ponies. I guess I could go with a HD 3 speed (Borg-Warner T-85) but the later top loaders have syncros for all three gears plus the ability to handle the extra ponies.

I have heard or read the input shaft is short and needs a special flywheel?
Are the bolt patterns the same? Or do I need a new/modified bell housing? What about the clutch?

If anyone has done this swap I would be grateful for any info.

Thanks!

 

[QUOTE=569104;8304153]Has anyone installed a Ford Top loader 3 speed to a 292? I have a 1956 F100 and would like build or have built a stroker Y-block. The trouble is I would like to keep "3 on the Tree". The light duty 3 speed won't handle the extra ponies. I guess I could go with a HD 3 speed (Borg-Warner T-85) but the later top loaders have syncros for all three gears plus the ability to handle the extra ponies.

This is a cool inquiry, to me anyway. The Ford all synchro 3.03, also known as the 303, came in 1964 Ford trucks, and maybe '63. It is basically the same trans that the Mustangs had, but with a shorter tail shaft. I have a '64 truck and a '64 Mustang 303. I believe the internal Mustang gears can be switched so the truck is fitted with better gear ratios. Check with a GOOD trans shop familiar with old tech. The input shaft is also different but similar between the two. Dont remember but one input shaft housing is larger than the other and some hogging out of the case may be needed. Not a big deal.

There is even a possible floor shift combo available, from all things a Jeep. If interested could look it up, though understand you want the column shift.

The transmissions are relatively light, but should hold up to 300 hp. More hp if you dont regularly hammer the hell out of it.

In your quest, if you need a good set as in not worn out of shift linkage for a 303 column shift, I have one cheep. Best wishes.


Mike

 

Thanks for the reply Mike,

I appreciate you thinking this idea may be a cool. I learned how to drive a manual with "3 on the tree" and I just think it is cool making those big long shifts up high. Also, I think it is part of the coolness of the truck...a big steering wheel and column shift.

I won't be "hammering the hell out of it" the truck is/will be more of a cruiser/driver. I may take you up on the shift linkage if this swap is reasonably feasable. Depending how far south you are in Oregon, I could drive the 56 up there to pick it up. I live about 2 hrs +/- from Kalamath Falls/Lakeview/Medford.

Thanks again,

Greg

 

[quote=46yblock;8304350]The Ford Type 3.03 3 Speed Manual all Syncromesh was introduced in 1963, initially offered in F100/250's, I-6 & V8 Galaxies, V8 Fairlane/Meteors.

1962/65 I-6 FairlaneMeteor/Falcon/Comet/Mustang & 1966 Falcon/Mustang's did not come with 3.03's, they used the 2.77 trans, which has a non syncro 1st gear.

 

Thanks for that clarification ND, both on mustang trans and year the 3.03 was introduced. Both the 303 and 277 have mounting patterns that will allow them to bolt up to a Y bell, because I have the two and checked. It sounds like the 303 is stronger than 277, but still wonder about swapping out gears.

I bought a 292 out of a salvage yard some years ago. It had either 303 or 277 trans., long tail shaft like a car, and an aftermarket through the floor shifter.

Edit: Do I understand correctly that the Mustang V-8 would have come with the 303?

 

Here is a great link for 3 speed top loader identification, he has one for the 4 speed as well.

3 Speed ID Chart

 

Greg, I have a 303 trans out of a '64 truck, and what is supposed to be a Mustang 3 speed. Thought it was a 303 too but now not sure. If you wanted to come over to Medford sometime I could meet you there and give over the 2 transmissions and linkage for not much. No hurry, but send PM if interested in getting together.

Mike

 

Mike,

I would be interested in getting together when the weather is better but I have no idea how to send "PM"? I see under the "Quick Links" section there is a place for private messages. So, I might be able to receive one? Maybe you could send me one with your # or email and I'll respond that way.

Thanks,

Greg

 

Greg, email sent. I went and looked at the trans in question. It has a tag HEF CX, which according to the chart is 1966 in Fairlane and Falcon, 200 and 289.

 

HEF-CT: 1966 Fairlane 200/289 before Production Date 11/1/1965.

HEF-CX: 1966 Fairlane 200/289 from Production Date 11/1/1965.

A 1964 F100 would have a 3.03. F250's also came with the 3.03, but not all of them had it. The Borg Warner T-87 H/D 3 speed (non syncro 1st) was an option (standard in F350's).

 

Mike,

Just curious, what does the tag say on the truck trans?

Greg

 

I'll look tomorrow.

 

OK, No rush. Thanks!

 

The tag on the truck trans is HEF AU.

 

Thanks Mike!