5 spd tranny in F100
 

Now that we have the truck running, we are thinking of making our first change. Don't much care for the way the AOD shifts and my son and I both have a hankering to convert back to a manual but with a 5spd. After reading the article in "Rod n Custom" on putting the T-5 behind a flathead, we've thought about going that direction. Problem is that 19" distance aft of the shifter. Seems like it would end up under the seat.
My question... has anybody put a 5 spd in their Ford small block powered F100 or F1? What other car tranny's will work in the same?

You need to look at a T5 used in a S10 the shifter is moved forward.

If you havn't seen this site, check it out. This link is to the Yblock tranny page. You should visit the whole site:

http://www.ford-y-block.com/truckt5.htm

That is exactly where the shifter winds up. I was thinking of using a S10 seat with the notch in the middle of the front edge then find a stick that curves forward some. Not sure what would have to be done to use the S10 transmission (bellhousing, trans yoke, etc). I would think you would want one from a V6 for strenth issues.

I just missed a good deal on a newer Mustang T-5 but as mentioned the shifter was pretty far aft. I looked at an S-10 World Class tranny today that he was selling for $275 but as with most of the S-10 T-5 tranny's, it had a 4.03:1 first gear. Bit low for a street rod/cruiser type rig.
Now I've seen a short reference to swapping the tail housing/shifter from an s-10 to a Mustang tranny to get the best of both worlds, good gear ratio and strength combined with proper shifter location. Has anybody done that?

Check with these fellers.

http://www.moderndriveline.com/

Look in my gallery, I installed an S-10 T-5 behind my Flathead 6 in my 51F1. That might help you see the location of where the shifter sits.


Rod 51F1

There are several manufacturers making short throw shifters for the T5 with available handles that moves the shifter forwards.

jalopyjournal.com has lots of info on the t5 with s-10 combo. Apparently, it doesn't matter which s-10 you use the tail from, i4,v6 etc, the tailshaft assy, with shift forks, just moves the shifter forward to work with our trucks. You still use the front gear case and bell housing that's right for your motor. BTW, when you search, search for tremec. T5 doesn't seem to return any info.

I always see the T5 conversions that go toward the S10. Why wouldn't a 5 spd out of a Ranger V6 or even one out of an F150 work?

A friend of mine has a 4 spd OD out of an Econline van behind a 390 FE he has in his 56 F100. Except for some modified clutch linkage, he said it was a drop in.

The S-10 version (they were all made by Tremec) has the more forward placement shifter that makes it easier to clear the seat and tend to all be the "world class" (i.e. stronger) version. My T-56's shifter which is located in the same place as the rearwards T5 is along side the bucket seat. It's fine if you are planning to use buckets, otherwise it would be under a bench seat.

Thanx all. Good info. I was wondering about adding an S10 tail housing to a Mustang WC T5. Sounds like a good possibilty. Also, hadn't thought about snagging a 4 spd OD from a Ford truck/van. I'll have to keep my eye open in the "yards" to see what is available.

5 speed Rangers are smaller, weaker versions of the Mazda trans found in F150s. The F150 Mazda 5 speed is ok, but requires a hydraulic clutch, where the T5 can use your existing clutch set up in most cases.

The 4 speed OD (I have one) is a real toad ratio wise. A 390 will bridge the gaps until in busts the weak OD gear.

T5s as used in Fords and S10s are much better shifting trans than the Ranger trans, and much better ratios than the 4 speed od.

The reason I bring this up is I used to have a mid 80s Dodge D100 SWB with a slant 6 and 4 spd OD. It did fine.

That would compare directly to my '85 Ford. Not sure how the ratios differ between the Chrysler box, which itself was a converted old style 4 speed, and Ford, which is a clone of the Ford top loader. All I know is the gap between 2nd and 3rd in mine, with 3.50 gears and 31 x 10.50 x 15 tires, is too wide and causes driveability issues between 35 to 50 mph. 2nd is too low, and it won't pull 3rd if you have any kind of a hill, curve, load... God help you if you are on a 40 mph road going uphill with curves and a load.... (like the road into Yosemite, the road from San Diego to Tecate, and a host of others.....)