The Ford Barn

fordor41 · 09-05-2022, 07:09 PM

I have a '60 292 Y-block with a 2 speed fordomatic that grenaded itself 3 days ago. I'm wondering if a 3 speed cruisomatic would work as a replacement. My ford shop manual lists 2 speed fordomatics as used with 292 y-blocks and 352.
Fluid pressure settings are different between the 2 engines but no other info as far as interchangeability. so if cruisomatics 3 speeds were used on 352's, would they work on a 292 y-block? also y-blocks were used in trucks until about 63-64 depending on where you look. I assume the 2 speed fordomatic was gone by then. or is the bellhousing bolt pattern that makes the fordomatic/cruisomatic not compatable between the 2 engines?

miker98038 · 09-05-2022, 08:47 PM

I know DryLakesRacer over on yblocksforever has a cruiso in his 56 Ford with a 292. There was a couple of specific things discussed (which I don’t remember) to building the transmission. There’s also been some discussion’s about mixing some Fordo and FMX components and using behind a yblock. If it doesn’t turn up here try over there.

Having removed 2 sp autos and replaced them with 3 or 4 speeds, it’s a very noticeable improvement in around town performance with real low gear. And at highway speed with a 4th overdrive. That was without changing the rear gears.

KULTULZ · 09-05-2022, 08:50 PM

- post deleted -

rotorwrench · 09-06-2022, 11:38 AM

Flat-O makes a decent kit with flex plate and bell housing for C4 to Y-block. Bendtsen's has an adapter but it likely only works with the later 6-bolt engines after 1965. It states that the ring gear must have been a 164 tooth type on the trans to be used. (C4, C6, and AOD as well as computer controlled types)

5851a · 09-06-2022, 02:12 PM

There is an article online and I think it may be the one about the 56 with a cruisomatic. My cousin had a downsize 79 LTD and it came with the FMX. Around here in 61 and 62 the Galaxies with 292 and cruisomatic seemed popular choice. Would be best if a person could find one on the same year car and use all the parts. Complete donor car would be best.

rotorwrench · 09-06-2022, 03:05 PM

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Most of the Cruise-O-Matics or the early 60s were set up to fit FE and MEL applications. I'm not sure if they had Y block applications but it wouldn't surprise me. The COMs have removable bell housings like most other early Ford transmissions.

fordor41 · 09-06-2022, 10:33 PM

thanks for the info. we took the trans back to the rebuilder today and he thought he could save it. he didn't seem to be too worried about finding parts.

09-05-2022, 07:09 PM	#1
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,518	Y-block transmisions I have a '60 292 Y-block with a 2 speed fordomatic that grenaded itself 3 days ago. I'm wondering if a 3 speed cruisomatic would work as a replacement. My ford shop manual lists 2 speed fordomatics as used with 292 y-blocks and 352. Fluid pressure settings are different between the 2 engines but no other info as far as interchangeability. so if cruisomatics 3 speeds were used on 352's, would they work on a 292 y-block? also y-blocks were used in trucks until about 63-64 depending on where you look. I assume the 2 speed fordomatic was gone by then. or is the bellhousing bolt pattern that makes the fordomatic/cruisomatic not compatable between the 2 engines?

09-05-2022, 08:47 PM	#2
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,398	Re: Y-block transmisions I know DryLakesRacer over on yblocksforever has a cruiso in his 56 Ford with a 292. There was a couple of specific things discussed (which I don’t remember) to building the transmission. There’s also been some discussion’s about mixing some Fordo and FMX components and using behind a yblock. If it doesn’t turn up here try over there. Having removed 2 sp autos and replaced them with 3 or 4 speeds, it’s a very noticeable improvement in around town performance with real low gear. And at highway speed with a 4th overdrive. That was without changing the rear gears. Last edited by miker98038; 09-05-2022 at 09:06 PM.

09-05-2022, 08:50 PM	#3
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,484	Re: Y-block transmisions - post deleted - Last edited by KULTULZ; 09-06-2022 at 09:00 AM.

09-06-2022, 11:38 AM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Y-block transmisions Flat-O makes a decent kit with flex plate and bell housing for C4 to Y-block. Bendtsen's has an adapter but it likely only works with the later 6-bolt engines after 1965. It states that the ring gear must have been a 164 tooth type on the trans to be used. (C4, C6, and AOD as well as computer controlled types) Last edited by rotorwrench; 09-06-2022 at 11:47 AM.

09-06-2022, 02:12 PM	#5
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,665	Re: Y-block transmisions There is an article online and I think it may be the one about the 56 with a cruisomatic. My cousin had a downsize 79 LTD and it came with the FMX. Around here in 61 and 62 the Galaxies with 292 and cruisomatic seemed popular choice. Would be best if a person could find one on the same year car and use all the parts. Complete donor car would be best.

09-06-2022, 03:05 PM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Y-block transmisions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Most of the Cruise-O-Matics or the early 60s were set up to fit FE and MEL applications. I'm not sure if they had Y block applications but it wouldn't surprise me. The COMs have removable bell housings like most other early Ford transmissions.

09-06-2022, 10:33 PM	#7
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,518	Re: Y-block transmisions thanks for the info. we took the trans back to the rebuilder today and he thought he could save it. he didn't seem to be too worried about finding parts.