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Re: 6-Bolt Adapter Plate

To: Larry Paulick <larry@netkonnect.net>
Subject: Re: 6-Bolt Adapter Plate
From: Steve Laifman <laifman@flash.net>
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 17:09:06 +0000

Larry Paulick wrote:

> Steve, I have a Ford Top Loader.  Is there a bell housing that mates a
> 6 bolt to the Top Loader?
>
> Thanks
>
> Larry



Larry,

It depends on which "Top Loader" you have.

I am going to quote to you part of what Dan Williams has published:

There are at least 133 models of  "Ford Top Loaders". Some do, some
don't. If you have 2 sets of 4 holes (8 holes total) that mount the front
of the tranny to the bell housing the answer is a qualified yes. These
were made after '64. It will bolt on a normal 6 bolt bell housing. But:

1) The input shaft length, diameter, and number of splines may not be
compatible with your installation. The 200 cid through 390 cid used 1
1/16 diam. input shaft, and came both close and wide ratio. 427, 428, 429
used large 1 3/8 shafts and only close ratio.

2) The output shaft length, number of splines may not be compatible with
your installation. Some 25 spline units were made and dropped. Normal is
28 spline. The majority of later (1966 on) top loaders that were used on
289 blocks will fit the input shaft and spline requirements. The tail
shaft stock was peculiar to the Tiger and the '64-'65 Ford FAIRLANE 4
speeds, with a 25 1/2 inch total case length. Mustangs, Cougars, Falcons,
Comets, pick-ups used 24" transmissions. There were close and wide ratio
gear sets (I like wide, like on a MkII).

3) You still have to adapt the clutch slave bracket to the 6 bolt bell
housing. (Do-able)

The majority of later (1966 on) top loaders that were used on 289 blocks
will fit the input shaft and spline requirements. Again, the tail shaft
stock was peculiar to the Tiger and the '64-'65 Ford FAIRLANE 4 speeds,
with a 25 1/2 inch total case length. Mustangs, Cougars, Falcons, Comets,
pick-ups used 24" transmissions. There were close and wide ratio gear
sets (I like wide, like on a MkII).

Bottom line. If you've got the "right" top loader it will bolt to a 5
bolt or a 6 bolt bell housing. If you don't, it won't, or your going to
have drive shaft, shifter position, etc. complications.

Measure length, count splines, and don't put it in unless it's ok inside
and out. Big job to have to redo. Re-build kits are relatively cheap if
your basic gears and synchros are ok.

Just did all the above.

Steve


--
Steve Laifman         < One first kiss,       >
B9472289              < one first love, and   >
                      < one first win, is all >
                      < you get in this life. >


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