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expavr · 03-11-2012, 01:38 PM

My hat's off to whomever put together that list of Trans swaps identified in the FTE thread!!! Very impressive effort.
I'm not familiar with the later F series frames, but if they look anything like the 40 Tonner, the X member doesn't have to be modified. In fact its a simple mod to bolt an extension to the existing X member to catch the tailshaft support on the O/D trans. Here I'm assuming that the dimension from the front of the 50 trans/bellhousing to its rear support is the same as the early Ford large trucks. Your trans photos would seem to indicate that.
38 Coupe's suggestion of using a later 3.00 differential has merit. Couple that to a set of 30+ " diameter wheels and you'd get down the road at a good clip, although you'd lose the benefit of some low end torque if that's important. Google Engine RPM/Tire Size/Speed Calculator and it will show a range gear ratio, tire size options to consider.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Anything that makes these trucks more driveable is worth the effort.

03-11-2012, 01:38 PM	#8
expavr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hansville, WA Posts: 776	Re: transmission help My hat's off to whomever put together that list of Trans swaps identified in the FTE thread!!! Very impressive effort. I'm not familiar with the later F series frames, but if they look anything like the 40 Tonner, the X member doesn't have to be modified. In fact its a simple mod to bolt an extension to the existing X member to catch the tailshaft support on the O/D trans. Here I'm assuming that the dimension from the front of the 50 trans/bellhousing to its rear support is the same as the early Ford large trucks. Your trans photos would seem to indicate that. 38 Coupe's suggestion of using a later 3.00 differential has merit. Couple that to a set of 30+ " diameter wheels and you'd get down the road at a good clip, although you'd lose the benefit of some low end torque if that's important. Google Engine RPM/Tire Size/Speed Calculator and it will show a range gear ratio, tire size options to consider. Good luck with whatever you decide. Anything that makes these trucks more driveable is worth the effort.