I dearly love my Toploader, but with my 3.70 gears, highway cruising just isn't much fun! Rolling along at 70, the Cleveland is turning 3,500 RPM! Needless to say, this doesn't help my mileage either. I don't want to install 3.00:1 rear gears and turn it into a dog, and a $3,000 Gear Vendors unit is out of the question.
I've been doing a little research, and doing a TKO600 swap would be a decent alternative. From what I have found, they are basically a direct bolt-in for the TopLoader, and depending on what tailshaft yoke I can find, I might not even have to get a longer driveshaft. Looks like just sliding the crossmember a little and changing to a 26-spline clutch disc would get it done. The 1st through 4th ratios are close to the TopLoader, and the .64 OD should have the engine turning about 2,000 RPM at 70 MPH!
A brand new TKO runs about $2300, which isn't too bad considering I could sell my TL for $900 to $1000.
Has anyone done a TKO install, and do you like it?
Considering TopLoader to TKO600 Swap.....
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69timemachine
- Blue Oval Fan
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Considering TopLoader to TKO600 Swap.....
Jason
"Where there's a wheel, there's a way!"
'69 F100 SWB in Lunar Green with built 351C & TKO-600 5-speed, 4.56 gears, and Eaton TrueTrac Posi.
Future plans: Maybe one day, fresh paint, though I've been told by some, "Don't touch it! It's done!"
'06 Mustang GT 5-speed
Sold: '77 F100, '72 Gran Torino, '76 El Camino with 454 & TH400
"Where there's a wheel, there's a way!"
'69 F100 SWB in Lunar Green with built 351C & TKO-600 5-speed, 4.56 gears, and Eaton TrueTrac Posi.
Future plans: Maybe one day, fresh paint, though I've been told by some, "Don't touch it! It's done!"
'06 Mustang GT 5-speed
Sold: '77 F100, '72 Gran Torino, '76 El Camino with 454 & TH400