toploader

[floyd67]

Will a toploader bolt up to a T18 bellhousing?
Thanks in advance guys!

[67mann]

You can check this site and possibly get some info..... http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/
Input shaft length is an issue between truck and car bellhousing's.....depending on the toploader your using

[67fordkc]

Yes you can but it depends on if you have a small block or big block toploader. I put a small block toploader behind my 390 using my original T-18 bellhousing. Below is info from a previous post discussing this same subject:


The truck FE bellhousing is 1/2" to 7/16" deeper than the car FE bellhousing. This means any FE car manual tranny (Toploader included) will have a problem with it's input nose engaging into the pilot shaft. However, there's a way around this. Instead of using an FE tranny, use the small block trannies (Toploader included). They all have a longer input nose and it engages perfectly.If you're wanting to use a car-type Toploader 4-speed transmission in your FE-powered truck, you can either use your original truck bellhousing (C5TA-B or equivalent) and use a small-block Toploader (which has a 1/2"-longer input shaft), or find a car-type FE bellhousing (C6OA-D or equivalent) to use the big-block Toploader.
Actually, I think the small block Toploader would be a better match for a truck because it's a wide ratio with a lower 1st compared to the big block Toploader. Plus, the truck bellhousing takes the bigger 11 1/2" clutch compared to the 11" car bell.

[floyd67]

Thanks my other option was a lakewood scatter shield i was told it eas a real PITA to put in our trucks any ideas on that?
Thanks Tim

[quantumleap]

67fordkc.....what kind of car was the toploader from? where is your shifter location? pictures? thanks

[67fordkc]

It is small block wide ratio toploader RUG E3 out of a mustang. The picture shows where the shifter's location is. The position is ok with bucket seats, however with a bench seat it will hit the seat.

[quantumleap]

thanks, thats what my math and measurments were telling me. so i figured id locate a falcon tailshaft for the foward location of the shifter since mine is just a 28 spline output anyway.. thanks for the pictures though...how does it drive? what engine/rear gear ratio are you running?

[67fordkc]

I have a 390 stroked to a 445 (built by Barry at survival motor sports) with a dana 3.73 rear end. It runs and drives very well

[quantumleap]

so not a freeway flier then eh? you think you could two a small jet boat or a seadoo or two with that tranny? i know its not ideal like a truck trans would be...maybe just like once or twice a year?

[67fordkc]

You can run it down the highway, but need to make sure there are gas stations on your route..... I think I could tow a small jet boat or sea doo with out any problem with the top loader, although I have never tried it. You probably already know that by using the falcon tailshaft it should put the shifter far enough forward so you can use a bench seat. That is what I was told when I put mine in. Let me know if you need anything else.

[quantumleap]

thankyou you have been very helpful