I'm starting to think toploader.

Topic: I'm starting to think toploader. (Read 1778 times) previous topic - next topic

I'm starting to think toploader.

February 04, 2009, 11:56:08 PM

I've been looking around, and top loaders seem to be more plentiful then t-5's, and cheaper to boot. I've seen older rebuilt ones sell for $250. The only think I want to look out for, is a 28 spline output, and a regular sb input shaft, I think its 1 and 3/16th? Anyways, it looks like even with the smaller sb input size, there rated at 400hp, properly rebuilt. The thing that sucks is the $300 bellhousing. Supposedly with the right swap bellhousing, its the same length as the t-5. I with it had a better overdrive ratio, but I could beat on it all day, and it should hold together better then a built t-5. The close ration has a 2.78 I think first, the wide ration has a 2.30 something first, and both have a 1:1 fourth gear. The wide ration would be perfect for 3.73 gears I think.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #1 – February 05, 2009, 12:16:42 AM

I thing I cant seem to find info on, is the speedometer cable. There mechanical only I'm assuming, being as there from 1960's-70's.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #2 – February 05, 2009, 09:25:40 AM

W-I-D-E ratios have the 2:78 1st gear, the close ratios are 2:32... Both BB & SB use the same size pilot bearing, but the SB tranny input bearing surface is slightly longer, I believe the splined area is same length... The vast majority will have 1 3/16 input, only a few BB trannys used the BIG 1 3/8" input(my Cobra Jet does) and those are all close ratio... Those transmissions also use a 31 spline output shaft, most with the smaller input used 28 spline... I dunno if any small input used the large output, don't remember seeing one...

With a 3.73 gear and no O/D you'll be cussing the swap in a week or two... Would be approx same as running a 5.55 gear with O/D...

There were some Top Loaders that 4th was OD(actually it was 3rd, actual 4th is always 1:1)... Those were used in the later 70s Granada and Monarch, unfortunately they are some what uncommon(I believe those used an aluminum case)...

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #3 – February 05, 2009, 12:12:35 PM

Get a SROD if you want a 4 speed plus you'll have OD. The old side shift on toploaders won't clear the trans tunnel without some modification.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #4 – February 05, 2009, 10:13:54 PM

I did some more reading on it. I think I know what you mean by the whole 5.55 gear in overdrive. Maybe a stock traction lock 2.73 would be a better option...

SRODs were garbage. My dads 300 i-6 used them, and it ate one a year. And that was with less then 100hp and 300 lbs or torque. I would much rather get a toploader, lack of overdrive or not.

I think a three on the tree would be cool in a thunderbird.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #5 – February 06, 2009, 12:55:20 AM

http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com
I am running a close ratio 1 1/8 input(originally) with a full wide ratio conversion from them along with the 2.90 first gear in my truck(sig).
That trans was 43 years old, never been rebuilt, and was getting 500-550 tq through it often. Last time at the track it took a beating taking atleast 650 tq at the flywheel. It was enough to EXPLODE my rear axle. AND i'm still using the original syncros. The toploader imo is about the strongest trans you will find for the money, and easily obtainable parts unless its a galaxy mainshaft that you need, david kee doesent have those and nobody else does either.
In case your interested, this is a 9" stock case w/650+hp put to it in a 5200#truck:)
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=21469

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #6 – February 06, 2009, 09:39:18 AM

You were lucky with the original... The 1 3/8" input was developed for NASCAR cause the 427 produced enough torque to twist off the smaller input... No doubt with todays metallurgy, the 1 1/16" is far superior to those of old...

BTW there are a few out there with a 25 spline output shaft(mostly used in V8 Falcons), those have problems withstanding punishment from a healthy small block...

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #7 – February 06, 2009, 08:22:35 PM

I was looking at threads over on sbftech, and everyone says you'll screw the smaller shaft at anything over 400hp.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #8 – February 07, 2009, 10:14:43 PM

I guess I forgot to put in the part that I converted it over to the 1 3/8 input after doing this

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #9 – February 08, 2009, 07:34:12 AM

Quote from: Haystack;255335

I thing I cant seem to find info on, is the speedometer cable. There mechanical only I'm assuming, being as there from 1960's-70's.

Many enter from the passenger side, so I believe use a TL specific gear...

Quote from: fordguy545;255839

I guess I forgot to put in the part that I converted it over to the 1 3/8 input after doing this

He, He...

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #10 – February 08, 2009, 09:03:39 AM

Just save your money and do the T-5 swap.Believe me,sometimes what seems the cheaper route makes you pay more in the end (I have found that out the hard way).Money,time,and wishing you would've waited.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #11 – February 08, 2009, 10:23:28 AM

I would consider the t-5 to be the quick and easy route. I want a tranny that will last a while. I'm not saying that a properly built up t-5 wouldn't, but the one I would end up with probably would.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #12 – February 08, 2009, 10:46:24 AM

My T-5 was built for a friend up in Oklahoma City,and has held up to all the abuse I've given it,plus,5th gear is nice on the highway,parts are super easy to find just in case something happens anywhere I may be at.The whole setup can be pieced together for a pretty fair price if you shop around.Just my two cents.You have to go the route you feel is best.Just don't get in a hurry.

I'm starting to think toploader.

Reply #13 – February 08, 2009, 01:17:36 PM

I'll be waiting for a while. The strongest I've run up against was nearly $1000 and only rated for 350 ft/lbs. If I'm going to do a h.o., I should easily hit that 300 ft/lbs mark, and 50 ft/lbs extra dosen't make it feel exactally bullet proof to me. Eventally I was to mod the car alittle bit as well. I've never seen a newer then 93 v-6 or 80-93 v-8 t-5's at the yards around me either. I would like one, but I want to be able to find another incase I break it.