Got a '65 running an original T10 but want to change to a Toploader. Is this a straight swap? Will the TL fit the T10 bellhousing? Will I need to change the driveshaft??? Any other problems associated??
The top-loader uses a 28 spline output shaft and the t-10 uses a 25 I believe. If you need to buy a top-loader and shift linkage why not just go toa t-5? While you may spend more up-front you will save about 30 lbs of weight and you will get the o.d. In addition to that you will have an internally gated shift linkage vs. an external linkage that get dirty, needs lube and most important proper adjustment.
The early Toploaders had the same 25 spline output as the T-10's. The later (66-up, not sure when the switch was made) Toploaders have either a 28 or a 31 spline output. Beware when choosing a Toploader as the 390 specific Toploader has a shorter input snout that does not work with a small blockk bell, unless you use a thicker pilot bearing/bushing (Boss 302 & some of the early small Bronco's use this) Also verify that the front bearing retainer's outer diameter matches your bellhousing's hole. The early Toploader is easy to spot, it's got a completely different bell housing bolt pattern.
Just to add a little to D.Hearne's post. Yes the earliest toploader has a unique bolt pattern vs the later bolt pattern. Luckily the 66' and up toploaders are drilled for both patterns. This allows them to be used on the pre 66' cars too. Here is a pic that shows this:
The inner-most bolt pattern fits the early year cars.
The early Toploaders had the same 25 spline output as the T-10's. The later (66-up, not sure when the switch was made) Toploaders have either a 28 or a 31 spline output. Beware when choosing a Toploader as the 390 specific Toploader has a shorter input snout that does not work with a small blockk bell, unless you use a thicker pilot bearing/bushing (Boss 302 & some of the early small Bronco's use this) Also verify that the front bearing retainer's outer diameter matches your bellhousing's hole. The early Toploader is easy to spot, it's got a completely different bell housing bolt pattern.
Wouldn't the 31 spline output shaft also have the 1 3/8" input? My toploader experieence is limited to either the small input shaft for 66 and later cars or the big shaft for '27's and '28's. Did they ever make one with small input and 31 spline output? Be curious to know.
It's possible to find a small-in, big out today,(or vice -versa) but I don't beleive Ford ever did this. The 390's got a small in/small out but with a shorter pilot bearing snout.