Overdrive Toploader

[carpenter motorhead]

Recently read about 4 speed overdrive manual transmissions from 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickups being able to live behind a healthy big block.Does anyone know of a part# or way to distinguish from granny gear units ? Also wondering about bell housings for this application.Any input would be most appreciated,saving for a tko600 will mean next spring before I can drive my truck.

[blown473]

I can tell you everything you need to know, I have 1 in my blown 460 (473) truck, and 2 backups in my shop. They were made from 1973 to 1987. They came in Ford trucks and vans behind 351w's and 300 6's. They are the same length as the traditional Mustang toploader . The early toploaders have 2 bolt patterns drilled into the bellhousing face, the overdrives use just the more popular outer pattern, which fit all the popular bellhousings. The overdrive units use the standard Ford clutch, 10.5 or 11, or even 12. They can be spotted easily by 2 features, on the passenger side of the main case is a very slight buldge about a inch and a half wide towards the front of the case. This was done to make room in the case for the high gear. They also have a lug cast on the tail shaft to allow for a driveshaft vibration dampener to be used, thr same on used on c-4 and c-6 autos of those years. There are lots of parts available for the trans, and a few tricks you can do to use a variety of shifters on them. I have used both the traditional toploader 1 to 1 and the overdrive, and they are both very durable. I have found the overdrive to be great in performance applications, especially when you have the torque of a big block. I have pushed mine hard, yet have not had to use any of my backups yet. The best news is they are plentyful, and can still be found in most wrecking yards, if you hunt even the self service yards are a good source, we have found no less than 10 there in the last 5 years, and paid anywhere from $85 to $200 each. They are a durable bargain, that seems to have slipped through the cracks in everyones rush to buy 5 speeds. Its hard to beat the strength of the iron case toploader trans. ITheres more to know, if you want more info fell free to call me 916-459-5520 Greg blown 473

[carpenter motorhead]

Thanks Greg, I'm saving your#for later when Im gathering components.

[age5528]

greg thanks for the info the other day it will definitely get the cyclone project off and running.

[BOSS 429]

its called a SROD TOP LOADER, 4TH GEAR OVERDRIVE, VERY GOOD TRANS, RATIO IS A LITTLE WIDE FROM 2ND TO 3RD, BUT ITS A OVERDRIVE