The Ford Barn

mikhett · 10-02-2013, 08:01 PM

I don't like my 3 on the tree of manual tranny on my 56 Vicky. what's the best manual tranny for this ?

paul2748 · 10-02-2013, 08:07 PM

What don't you like about your present one?

Three choices: top loader or T-10 four speed, 5 speed or a later three speed like the 3.03 trans which is syncro in first.

The four speeds are relatively easy to install (a couple of modifications are required) and there are kits for installing the 5 speeds.

The later 3 speed might be more of a problem, but never did one.

zoegrant · 10-02-2013, 09:13 PM

How about a t85 overdrive tranny....very likable .....J

miker98038 · 10-02-2013, 10:23 PM

The T-85/R11 combo is bullet proof, I think they used them behind the 406's in the early 60's. But pricey. The T-86/R10 will do fine if you don't drop the clutch hard.

I did an odd ball Granda top loader, sometimes referred to as a T&C. Don't know why. You turn down the front bearing retainer to fit the Y block bell housing, bolt up two bolts and drill and tap holes for the other two. Been years since I did this. So, if I'm wrong, someone will correct me.

The trans is identified by an odd bulge on the right rear. Ford used a light duty top loader, and replaced 3rd gear with an O/D ratio. The normal 3/4 shift arm points up instead of down, so a standard shifter will work it. Weird deal, took me a while to get my head around it. Your actually shifting 1-2-4-3, with 3 being the o/d.

It has a 3.2? First gear and about a .8 o/d. If you've got 3.5 or higher gears, it works. The Jeep guys did a lot of these, maybe 15 years ago. Worked ok, if you can find one really cheap.

I bit the bullet, and changed to a T-5. But it's an option.

Ole Don · 10-03-2013, 07:55 AM

In today's world, I would not spend money for a different transmission without overdrive. Standard or automatic. I had the light duty OD behind the stock 272. It worked good and was fun to drive. I later opted for a strong 312 and wanted something better. I went with the OD spoken about above. I used one from an F150 to move the shifter to the front. It worked OK, but the long RPM span from 2nd to 3rd really sucked. I then spoke to some Mustang parts people about a T5, and they talked me out of it. If you have a smaller engine, or drive like grandma, they may be OK. I get a bit "spirited" from time to time, so I stepped up to a T 3550. Expensive, yes. I have hammered on it for ten years now. Money well spent for me. While doing all that, I built a flathead powered roadster with a T5. For a lighter car with fewer cubic inches, the T5 is a wonderful gearbox. It shifts quick and easy, and there is a gear ratio for every speed.

darrell · 10-03-2013, 09:08 AM

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if your onlycomplant is the non syncro first use a 303 as paul said.you still have your shift on the wheel and original look.

SSsssteamer · 10-03-2013, 08:58 PM

On my 1957 Ford 292 I had a Borg Warner top load over drive and it would not stand up. After replacing the trans for the 6th time, I then went to the T 85 over drive and I never had another problem there after. That was 50 years ago and it was a lesson well learned.

darrell · 10-05-2013, 09:56 AM

anyone ever have a t89.i got one with a 312 from a 57 merc.same as t85 almost.

estout81 · 10-05-2013, 07:19 PM

Had one behind a hot 289 in a '40 ford in the late '60's. Couldn't break it!

10-02-2013, 08:01 PM	#1
mikhett Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jackson N.J Posts: 206	best manual tranny for a 292 Y block I don't like my 3 on the tree of manual tranny on my 56 Vicky. what's the best manual tranny for this ?

10-02-2013, 08:07 PM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 4,292	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block What don't you like about your present one? Three choices: top loader or T-10 four speed, 5 speed or a later three speed like the 3.03 trans which is syncro in first. The four speeds are relatively easy to install (a couple of modifications are required) and there are kits for installing the 5 speeds. The later 3 speed might be more of a problem, but never did one.

10-02-2013, 09:13 PM	#3
zoegrant Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tolland CT Posts: 773	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block How about a t85 overdrive tranny....very likable .....J

10-02-2013, 10:23 PM	#4
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,626	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block The T-85/R11 combo is bullet proof, I think they used them behind the 406's in the early 60's. But pricey. The T-86/R10 will do fine if you don't drop the clutch hard. I did an odd ball Granda top loader, sometimes referred to as a T&C. Don't know why. You turn down the front bearing retainer to fit the Y block bell housing, bolt up two bolts and drill and tap holes for the other two. Been years since I did this. So, if I'm wrong, someone will correct me. The trans is identified by an odd bulge on the right rear. Ford used a light duty top loader, and replaced 3rd gear with an O/D ratio. The normal 3/4 shift arm points up instead of down, so a standard shifter will work it. Weird deal, took me a while to get my head around it. Your actually shifting 1-2-4-3, with 3 being the o/d. It has a 3.2? First gear and about a .8 o/d. If you've got 3.5 or higher gears, it works. The Jeep guys did a lot of these, maybe 15 years ago. Worked ok, if you can find one really cheap. I bit the bullet, and changed to a T-5. But it's an option.

10-03-2013, 07:55 AM	#5
Ole Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Michael, Minnesota Posts: 1,713	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block In today's world, I would not spend money for a different transmission without overdrive. Standard or automatic. I had the light duty OD behind the stock 272. It worked good and was fun to drive. I later opted for a strong 312 and wanted something better. I went with the OD spoken about above. I used one from an F150 to move the shifter to the front. It worked OK, but the long RPM span from 2nd to 3rd really sucked. I then spoke to some Mustang parts people about a T5, and they talked me out of it. If you have a smaller engine, or drive like grandma, they may be OK. I get a bit "spirited" from time to time, so I stepped up to a T 3550. Expensive, yes. I have hammered on it for ten years now. Money well spent for me. While doing all that, I built a flathead powered roadster with a T5. For a lighter car with fewer cubic inches, the T5 is a wonderful gearbox. It shifts quick and easy, and there is a gear ratio for every speed.

10-03-2013, 09:08 AM	#6
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,063	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) if your onlycomplant is the non syncro first use a 303 as paul said.you still have your shift on the wheel and original look.

10-03-2013, 08:58 PM	#7
SSsssteamer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sedro-Woolley, WA Posts: 1,023	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block On my 1957 Ford 292 I had a Borg Warner top load over drive and it would not stand up. After replacing the trans for the 6th time, I then went to the T 85 over drive and I never had another problem there after. That was 50 years ago and it was a lesson well learned.

10-05-2013, 09:56 AM	#8
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,063	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block anyone ever have a t89.i got one with a 312 from a 57 merc.same as t85 almost.

10-05-2013, 07:19 PM	#9
estout81 BANNED Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Utica, Ohio Posts: 522	Re: best manual tranny for a 292 Y block Had one behind a hot 289 in a '40 ford in the late '60's. Couldn't break it!