The Ford Barn

the human wrench · 10-09-2020, 09:05 PM

I currently have a "56 Fairlane with a 3 speed overdrive transmission. I want to replace it with a top loader 4 speed I have with the small input shaft. Am I correct in thinking it will bolt up to my bellhousing? The top loader has 8 mounting holes. I will be using it with Thunderbird bucket seats and a Hurst shifter.

55blacktie · 10-09-2020, 09:50 PM

Maybe this will help:jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/toploader-in-a-y-block.855710/

darrell · 10-10-2020, 05:56 AM

it will bolt up with some work.if its out of a small block 289 to 351 the input shaft will need 3/8 ground of of it will bottom out and lock your engine up.i put one in a 57 years ago. also the front bearing holder that centers your trans in the bell is to big.you have to turn it down a bit not much.small things an easy swap.

paul2748 · 10-10-2020, 06:54 PM

Darrell is spot on. I did the swap in back of a 312. If your using bucket seats then the shifter location may not be a problem. With the right tailhousing, the standard bench seat is not a problem.

the human wrench · 10-12-2020, 06:47 AM

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Thanks, doesn't sound too complicated.

10-09-2020, 09:05 PM	#1
the human wrench Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 36	Top loader question I currently have a "56 Fairlane with a 3 speed overdrive transmission. I want to replace it with a top loader 4 speed I have with the small input shaft. Am I correct in thinking it will bolt up to my bellhousing? The top loader has 8 mounting holes. I will be using it with Thunderbird bucket seats and a Hurst shifter. __________________ Miracle Engine Rebuilders. "If it runs, it's a Miracle!"

10-09-2020, 09:50 PM	#2
55blacktie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 441	Re: Top loader question Maybe this will help:jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/toploader-in-a-y-block.855710/

10-10-2020, 05:56 AM	#3
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: Top loader question it will bolt up with some work.if its out of a small block 289 to 351 the input shaft will need 3/8 ground of of it will bottom out and lock your engine up.i put one in a 57 years ago. also the front bearing holder that centers your trans in the bell is to big.you have to turn it down a bit not much.small things an easy swap.

10-10-2020, 06:54 PM	#4
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,978	Re: Top loader question Darrell is spot on. I did the swap in back of a 312. If your using bucket seats then the shifter location may not be a problem. With the right tailhousing, the standard bench seat is not a problem. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

10-12-2020, 06:47 AM	#5
the human wrench Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 36	Re: Top loader question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks, doesn't sound too complicated. __________________ Miracle Engine Rebuilders. "If it runs, it's a Miracle!"

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