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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Top loaders and OD

  • Thread starter Thread starter WORTH
  • Start date Start date Nov 27, 2023

WORTH

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 18, 2002
2,166
44
98
Cape Cod, Ma.
Nov 27, 2023
#1
  • Nov 27, 2023
  • #1
Have a toploader out of a '68 GT, are there any choices around to add OD. Been away from cars for quite a few years was hoping something is now available. It's actually going to end up in my '55 T-Bird.
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Nov 27, 2023
#2
  • Nov 27, 2023
  • #2
WORTH said:
Have a toploader out of a '68 GT, are there any choices around to add OD. Been away from cars for quite a few years was hoping something is now available. It's actually going to end up in my '55 T-Bird.
Click to expand...

A Gear Vendors OD can be added to the toploader BUT the cost of parts and installation is pretty much on par with that of a replacement 5 speed.
 

WORTH

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 18, 2002
2,166
44
98
Cape Cod, Ma.
Dec 10, 2023
#3
  • Dec 10, 2023
  • #3
Ya found the GV unit, but it is too large to fit in my '55 T-bird, so I have a different plan, going to try and find a wide ratio top loader and swap the rear to a 9" with 3:10's, ;should give me about 67mph @2500rpms on 28" tires. Does anyone have a wide ratio they would like to sell or trade for my close ratio?
 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Dec 30, 2023
#4
  • Dec 30, 2023
  • #4
Ford made a transmission in 77-78 that externally looks just like a top-loader but is actually a 3 speed with its 4th gear being an OD. I wonder if that would work? If so, here are some tag numbers:
RUG BP
RUG CA
RUG CD
RUG CL
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,823
3,954
183
Claremore, OK
Jan 11, 2024
#5
  • Jan 11, 2024
  • #5
Why not just sell the close ratio and put a Tremec T5 in it? Lots of swaps in the Birds.

Google Search
 
Reactions: dennis112

WORTH

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 18, 2002
2,166
44
98
Cape Cod, Ma.
Jun 3, 2024
#6
  • Jun 3, 2024
  • #6
Realmongo said:
Ford made a transmission in 77-78 that externally looks just like a top-loader but is actually a 3 speed with its 4th gear being an OD. I wonder if that would work? If so, here are some tag numbers:
RUG BP
RUG CA
RUG CD
RUG CL
Click to expand...
Real Mongo, you evil bastard, do all the right parts still shake? Somebody tried to take my Life a couple of times in the last few months, so I got delayed on all my projects. But I believe I have it under control now. As for the '55 BIrd, I did buy a wide ratio top loader for it, k had my local drive shaft shop swap the slip yoke, and add a few inches to the shaft,, set up a 4 speed to line up with the original hole in the floor and test fitted her. And I actually looked at the rear end and figured it is a Dana 44, ( got a lot of missinformation before), and I can put 3.08's in her. So that will take care of the Bird, and I liked it so much I bought another one for my '65 E-Pup 200cid 6er and will do that after I get the bird on the road. This is the setup for the Bird.
 

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WORTH

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 18, 2002
2,166
44
98
Cape Cod, Ma.
Jun 3, 2024
#7
  • Jun 3, 2024
  • #7
AeroCoupe said:
Why not just sell the close ratio and put a Tremec T5 in it? Lots of swaps in the Birds.

Google Search
Click to expand...
You obviously don't remember me, I only do technology as old as me...
 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Jun 9, 2024
#8
  • Jun 9, 2024
  • #8
WORTH said:
Real Mongo, you evil bastard, do all the right parts still shake? Somebody tried to take my Life a couple of times in the last few months, so I got delayed on all my projects. But I believe I have it under control now. As for the '55 BIrd, I did buy a wide ratio top loader for it, k had my local drive shaft shop swap the slip yoke, and add a few inches to the shaft,, set up a 4 speed to line up with the original hole in the floor and test fitted her. And I actually looked at the rear end and figured it is a Dana 44, ( got a lot of missinformation before), and I can put 3.08's in her. So that will take care of the Bird, and I liked it so much I bought another one for my '65 E-Pup 200cid 6er and will do that after I get the bird on the road. This is the setup for the Bird.
Click to expand...
I'm going to need to find a drive shaft shop myself. I changed the yoke on the 1965's differential and need to have a shaft made up with the proper rear yoke.
 
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