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-   -   4 speed conversion (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188286)

TradModelA 02-02-2016 06:52 AM

4 speed conversion
 

Anyone use a Pinto/ Mustang II 4spd on their Model A?(Borg Warner SR4) I believe it bolts up like the T5? Thanks

Bob C 02-02-2016 12:14 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

What's the advantage with no OD.

Bob

TradModelA 02-02-2016 12:40 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Two extra gears , fill that hole between 2nd and 3rd. I'm no speed freak.

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hardtimes 02-02-2016 01:49 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TradModelA (Post 1234398)
Two extra gears , fill that hole between 2nd and 3rd. I'm no speed freak.

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My help/suggestion :), would be to go over to HAMB. When there, click onto TRADITIONAL and ask your question. Very helpful area and guys who do this traditional hot rod mod thing ...with much experience/knowledge.

MikeK 02-02-2016 01:50 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

If you actually have one of the mustang SR4 trannys it has an extremely long tailshaft and far rearward shift location. After making an open drive conversion of the differential you will end up with a driveshaft only about two feet long. That will create severe angularity problems as the rear axle travels with the spring. You also may want to sit in the rear seat, as the shift lever will come up behind the center cross-member.

If you use the jeep 4wd version you will need to machine your own adapter, either for a universal to fit your open drive conversion or a torque tube adapter with a shortened torque tube and drive shaft.

A lot of work for little gain to get just that one in between gear. Try a 3:54 rear gear with a Mitchell ordered with the 15% higher 2nd. Less pain, more gain. You will have still have only three ratios, but they will be more suitable to today's driving.

BRENT in 10-uh-C 02-02-2016 02:02 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TradModelA (Post 1234398)
Two extra gears , fill that hole between 2nd and 3rd. I'm no speed freak.

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Although you did not ask for my opinion, my 2 cents is the recommendation that you correct the root problem. Instead of doing a transmission conversion, look at using a hi-compression head and a Stipe IB330 camshaft. With those two, you won't feel a 'hole' between those two gears. Total cost should be under $1k.

TradModelA 02-02-2016 02:06 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Thanks guys, I've heard of the Mitchell Transmission, sounds like the cleanest solution. Who sells them?

CarlG 02-02-2016 02:53 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by TradModelA (Post 1234441)
Thanks guys, I've heard of the Mitchell Transmission, sounds like the cleanest solution. Who sells them?

Mitchell

Tom Wesenberg 02-02-2016 05:40 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

I'm not a speed guy either, but would like overdrive or at least the 3.27 ring and pinion to slow the engine at 45 to 50 MPH.

Ron W 02-02-2016 06:40 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

I have the F150 transmission. When doing a parade, I like the standard low first gear. When cruising, I like the all syncro with overdrive. Ron W

TradModelA 02-02-2016 06:47 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Ron, did you do the machining or buy a kit for the F150 trans

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CarlG 02-02-2016 07:02 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron W (Post 1234559)
I have the F150 transmission. When doing a parade, I like the standard low first gear. When cruising, I like the all syncro with overdrive. Ron W

Ditto what Ron said :)

I bought a complete bolt in kit. No cutting/alterations to the vehicle.

Ron W 02-02-2016 08:12 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

I did my own. Having my own machine shop, I enjoyed the project and did one for a friend. Lots of dimensions to figure out to avoid cutting the frame. Ron W

duke36 02-02-2016 08:26 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

I've had them all, Ryan, Borg Warner electric 6 volt, F150 4speed synchro., Mitchell gear splitter as posted. If you want possibly the easiest installation, the Mitchell is well tested and pretty popular but uses stock A tranny. Comes with solid shift linkage or cable as desired and speedo mating. Mitchell is in Santa Rosa area, Ca. Drop the entire rear end and spring together as a unit and insert the Mitchell set up, though setting the pinion bearings preload can take some practice.

TradModelA 02-02-2016 08:48 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Ok, Mitchell also rebuilds stock 3 speeds with syncros and improved gear ratios.

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MAG 02-02-2016 08:55 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

"Drop the entire rear end and spring together as a unit and insert the Mitchell set up, though setting the pinion bearings preload can take some practice."

Resetting the pinion bearing pre-load is not necessary if the adjustment nuts on the pinion/bearing assembly are not disturbed. Oviously, if the adjustment is not correct adjustment should be done.

Manager 02-02-2016 11:55 PM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TradModelA (Post 1234644)
Ok, Mitchell also rebuilds stock 3 speeds with syncros and improved gear ratios.

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Yeah I have been through what you are in my head for a while now and this is the easiest option. Just from memory about $2200 probably the cheapest as well. F150 looks to be a better option than the C10 box if you go the next step, from my research anyway. And from there you can play with Volvo boxes and all sorts of things but you would need to be fairly capable and have your own machine shop I reckon.

Gil Sissons 02-03-2016 12:08 AM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Mitchell Mg
Colusa. Ca
Family owned business
Sue Mitchell....the Mom is sales lady
Steve the son runs the plant
Quality products
Gil. NoCal

Binger 02-03-2016 08:57 AM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

1 Attachment(s)
I am using a T-5 from an S-10 4x4 with a torque tube adapter. My project is more HAMB friendly than here but the idea is the same.

TradModelA 02-03-2016 09:18 AM

Re: 4 speed conversion
 

Binger, who did the machine work? Used a AA bellhousing? Looks great by the way.

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