Update to a 4-speed on my ‘56 F100

[ahshoe]

Got a nice running 292 Y block in my ‘56 F100. Has a stock 56 truck 3 speed in it that came with the truck I am sure from the factory. It had a brand new Maverick 8” housing with a new 3:25 traction loc. I would like to use a newer 4-speed so I can run over 55 on the highway.The bellhousing has the rear frame mounts as part of it and the clutch Zbar pivots off it also.Has anyone converted to a different bell ,and 4 speed trans.and if so what problems am I going to (or did they run into) doing so and maybe converting to a T-10 or toploader 4 speed? Any information would be appreciated. Might want to add that I already switched the three on the tree to a floor shifter.

[51504bat]

Both a T-10 4 speed or a 4 speed toploader have a final ratio of 1:1 the same as the 3 speed you have. So changing to either of the 4 speed trans you mention won't lower your cruising RPM. A T-5 or a 3+1 from a Ford p/u would do what you want since both are overdrive transmissions.

[Gene F]

So I have a 292 in a Fairlane. You can buy a new T-5 from jegs. So what is involved in converting to a sitck from an automatic in a 57 Fairlane?

[miker98038]

Biggest thing is the clutch linkage. There might be enough 57’s out there with modern engines and AOD’s (or whatever) to find the whole works. Then a car bellhousing, an adaptor, the the right T-5. Years ago when I did the bird the adapter required cutting about 1/8” off the T-5 WC so it didn’t bottom in the crank. That was not a big deal.

I used a Mustang trans mount, pretty much bolted up in the bird. Don’t know about a 57 pass car.

Do your research on the T5. There’s a lot of different ratios, torque ratings, and shifter placements. If someone here doesn’t have specifics, I’m sure one of the other Ford sites or social groups will.

[KULTULZ]

Are you wanting to keep it three-on-the-tree or modify the truck?

Because of the way the engine/trans is mounted, maybe consider a period correct 3/S/OD?

- https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

[flathead 53]

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I installed A S-10 five speed in my 53 f-100 with A mercury flathead , 60 mph 1800 rpm, I also installed A 9"rear from A 59 f-100 with 350.1 gears , I kept the original bellhousing,

[flathead 53]

I also used original clutch linkage ,PM me for more info on this ,

[38 coupe]

Originally Posted by ahshoe

Got a nice running 292 Y block in my ‘56 F100. Has a stock 56 truck 3 speed in it that came with the truck I am sure from the factory. It had a brand new Maverick 8” housing with a new 3:25 traction loc.

Assuming you have 28 inch tall rear tires your engine is turning less than 2200 rpm at 55 mph. A 292 should happily turn way more revs than that. I find 2700 rpm to be a comfortable cruising rpm and that calculates with your axle ratio to about 70 mph. Your rpm will scale up or down inversely with tire diameter compared to the 28 inches I used to calculate this.