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Convert GM T56 to Ford T56?

  • Thread starter Thread starter KiwiGT
  • Start date Start date Jan 9, 2010
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KiwiGT

Member
Apr 1, 2005
95
0
6
Australia
Jan 9, 2010
#1
  • Jan 9, 2010
  • #1
I have the chance to buy a new GM T56 at a great price. I'm thinking about putting it behind my 342 stroker. My car currently has a Modern Driveline complete T5 setup, including cable clutch.

I know GM T56's have a 26 spline input shaft which is a different length to the Ford input shaft.

Is it as simple as buying the ford 10 spline input shaft and replacing the GM 26 spline input shaft ?.

I know I'll need a bellhousing and rear mount, and I know its a tight fit in early Mustangs with associated driveline issues, but I'm not bothered by that.

thanks
 

latamud

Founding Member
Oct 22, 2002
791
2
19
Tampa, FL
Jan 9, 2010
#2
  • Jan 9, 2010
  • #2
The 26 spline is stronger. It can be machined down to Ford spec.
 
K

KiwiGT

Member
Apr 1, 2005
95
0
6
Australia
Jan 9, 2010
#3
  • Jan 9, 2010
  • #3
latamud said:
The 26 spline is stronger. It can be machined down to Ford spec.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. I saw on forums a while ago you were looking to adjust your gear lever throw on your T56. Did you see this ?Billet Shifter Relocation Kit
 

latamud

Founding Member
Oct 22, 2002
791
2
19
Tampa, FL
Jan 9, 2010
#4
  • Jan 9, 2010
  • #4
KiwiGT said:
Thanks for your reply. I saw on forums a while ago you were looking to adjust your gear lever throw on your T56. Did you see this ?Billet Shifter Relocation Kit
Click to expand...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! That's basically what I've been looking for. I made my own.
 

DukeGnarley

Member
Apr 2, 2003
597
2
19
Auburn/Ellensburg, Wa
Dec 3, 2010
#5
  • Dec 3, 2010
  • #5
hey, I've been researching transmissions trying to decide between tko600, gforce t5, and a t56. I was thinking t56 only because i might be able to get a used GM unit. After searching around for a while, I came across Mcleod part number 8750-06. It's a modular bellhousing that will adapt the GM t56 to the windsor engine. Summit lists it as being for the modular 4.6, but on the Mcleod website it says it's for the windsor. The 4.6 one is a different part number.

yes this is a thread resurrection, but i thought it was relevant.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
37
109
LA, CA
Dec 5, 2010
#6
  • Dec 5, 2010
  • #6
The front cover on the T56 is modular and the front intermediate plate determines what bellhousing will bolt on. You need to get the proper front plate for the bellhousing you are going to use. If you get a front plate from a Ford T56 you can use a standard 4.6L bellhousing but that wont help you with a 5.0. Maybe there is a cheaper bellhousing to go from the 4.6L front plate to a 5.0, 450 bucks for a bellhousing seems a bit pricey.

The new T56 magnum is NOT externally the same dimensions as the older T56 despite what resellers have been telling me, ask me how I know.... It is a few inches shorter and may fit better in the trans tunnel but the shifter is moved slightly forward.
 

DukeGnarley

Member
Apr 2, 2003
597
2
19
Auburn/Ellensburg, Wa
Dec 5, 2010
#7
  • Dec 5, 2010
  • #7
If you were planning on upgrading to an sfi bellhousing anyway, it's not that bad.
 
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