transmission buy different or fix current

[jbisme]

My 1966 F-100 came with a 3 speed manual transmission. I assume it was supposed to be a 3 on the tree, but it has an external linkage on the floor. The linkage is sloppy and difficult to find any gear. I would love to have a 5 speed transmission, but the 352 would need an adapter kit for a M5R2 transmission to fit.

What would you do?

 

[Duke]

Depends on how much you want to. You could get a new shifter or even rebuild the old one. Most likely all it needs is some bushings and new clips. That said - if you want a 5 speed, lay down the cash and do it. It is a matter of knowing shifting is need, 5-speed is a want.

 

[jbisme]

Duke, here is where I'm at and why I'm not sure. A 5 speed would slow down the engine at highway speeds, and save fuel and motor wear. The driving I do would require lots of highway speeds. Which around here is 60 to 70 MPH depending on which highway and lots of cops, so no speeding. The 3 speed does work, although the shift pattern is somehow reversed, which is confusing. The 3 speed already fits my engine, where the five speed will need a kit to fit the 352 (thanks Ford). Since this is just a hobby, spending an extra $1000 isn't the issue. That will just take time since I'm cash flowing the project anyway. I guess I can't deside what would make me happier.:neutral:

 

[jbisme]

Oh, and I forgot, the gear shift is too short. My late uncle owned this truck and he had a piece of threaded rod duct taped to it to make the gear shift longer. And all the truck's rust holes had spray on house insulation to fill the cracks. But he did keep the truck running even though he was the only one who could drive it.

 

[putz]

With the shift pattern being reversed it could have had a three speed on the column and some body switched it to the floor without the right shifter.

 

[KY_T]

Many years ago I had a 1956 Ford with a column shift. While at the junkyard one day I found a floor shift the the owner said would fit. I bought it and put it on. (No directions) It shifted backward. I kind of liked it and left it that way. I was told the reason it shifted backwards is that the arms on the tranny need to point up instead of down(or the other way). Try reversing the them and see if that helps. KY_T

 

[jbisme]

I forgot to say that. The origional 1966 truck my uncle had was a 3 on the tree. He put it on the floor. This truck body had an automatic in it, but the salvage yard he got it from already removed the transmission. He wore out both trucks coyote hunting.

I've done a bunch of reading last night and I think I will go with the M5R2 transmission like what is in my 1991 Ford truck. I found an adapter kit that is supposed to make it fit my engine. I hope it does or I'm about to waste a whole bunch of money.

The kit can be had here;
Transmission Adapters
The Mazda/Ford transmission can be had anywhere.

Or I could go with a Tremec TKO transmission and put a steel bellhousing from Speedway.

Any suggestions?:wall::sos:

 

[jbisme]

Anybody? Anybody?

 

[jmr122848]

I'll bet a new shifter will solve the trans problem, and at a very reasonable price. or just get a c6 and forget it

 

[jbisme]

I've finally made up my mind and I'll buy a new Hurst shifter linkage. There will be a Tremec TKO in my future for this car-boat, but that will probably be a distant future.