transmissions options

[ahshoe]

I have a '56 F100 with a 272 Y block 3 speed non OD in it now. I want to go to a 4 speed and was wondering if there is a bellhousing like maybe a T-bird 312 bell that will bolt directly up to the 272? Also then what 4 speed will work ? Will a T-10 work? Will my stock flywheel work as I have a manual 3 speed in it now?Any mods needed to the trans? bell? starter? for a fit to the 272 block?

[dmsfrr]

Just guessing here... does your existing bell-housing look like this one?
(with the big mounting flanges on the side)

Why are you thinking of changing from what you have? What do you want it to do that it doesn't do now?
Not knowing your desired goal makes it harder to offer meaningful suggestions.

[miker98038]

I’m working from old memories, so don’t take it as correct. The trucks used the bellhousing with the mounting ears. The engine had a front mount only, so you have to have them.

It was also a deeper bell, so the input shaft on the truck 3 speeds (ignoring the granny low 4 speeds) was longer.

John Mummert’s site has some info, but his conversions are aimed at a T-5. Here’s his link. It shows different units, might help even if a T-5 isn’t what you’re looking for.

As dmsfrr asked, what are you trying to accomplish.

http://www.ford-y-block.com/t5in-trucks.htm

[Ole Don]

The three speed you have now, and a four speed, will have the same 1 to 1 ratio in top gear. If you want an overdrive, the T5 is the way to go. There were some four speeds available with fourth being an overdrive, but they were not a good choice. They are not reliable, hard to get parts for, and are prone to leakage, plus the ratios suck. If you have to spend money to buy a trans, step up to the five speed with adapter from Mummert or Speedway.

[rotorwrench]

Those truck bells can be adapted pretty easy with a thick plate of aluminum but it may require a crank spacer too. Adapt to the Ford Windsor small block pattern and a lot of four speeds would fit. There may be some truck bells that have the narrow Borg Warner trans bolt pattern. The early T10 will bolt up with that pattern. Later super T10 and Ford top loaders would have the small block butterfly wing pattern.

[KULTULZ]

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Originally Posted by dmsfrr

Why are you thinking of changing from what you have? What do you want it to do that it doesn't do now?

Not knowing your desired goal makes it harder to offer meaningful suggestions.

I think what he wants to do is have a passenger car 4S without the hassle of the truck bell and clutch assy. If so, he is going to have to modify the front mount and fabricate a rear x-member and insulator.