T5 trans

[oldsman41]

Can you put a t-5 trans in a model a and use the stock rear end. Probably have to go open drive but the extra gears and I’d would be nice. Anyone done this? Thanks

[Jim Brierley]

Yes, most guys use a late model rear end but the A rear end can be converted to open-drive. There is a small company in Napa Idaho that will do it, or sell you the needed parts. Just be sure the rear end is securely mounted. The stock radius rods are not strong enough.

[oldsman41]

Jim does that mean i will have to go to a four link suspension or is there better radius rods on the market?

[LeroyM]

You can do a closed drive with a T5. Check some of the threads below. A guy was using a T5 from a jeep.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...uetube.256226/

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ranny.1006230/

[Dave in MN]

I purchased my T5 kit from:
Transmission Exchange
7841 E Highway 90
Monticello, KY 42633

606-348-8533
John Baker

John Baker is a very nice gent to work with and stands behind his product. Supplies everything you need. A very good value for the cost. I purchased a "gone through" used transmission from him with the kit.
John has, as optional, new heavy duty rear end radius arms to replace the undersized stock arms.

I really like how the system works. Fourth gear is straight through and overdrive is 27%. The project was assembled this spring and the car had its first long run from Minnesota to the Branson Meet and back. Fun! (Last photo: On the road to Branson.)
Good Day!

[denis4x4]

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Put in a T-5 eight years ago and reinforced the stock radius arms with 1”x1/4” strap steel welded on the seam. No issues and certainly an inexpensive fix. Also designed a bolt on reinforcement piece for the cross member to retain strength in the frame

[Pete]

Originally Posted by oldsman41

Can you put a t-5 trans in a model a and use the stock rear end. Probably have to go open drive but the extra gears and I’d would be nice. Anyone done this? Thanks

Lots of ways to do this but it is possible to put a T5 in a model A with NO modification to the transmission and use the stock rear end by shortening the driveshaft, torque tube and radius rods.

Any way you go, it is not going to be cheap or easy.

[oldsman41]

Yeah i new it wouldn’t be cheap. Friend has a t-5 he just wants to give me so i thought why not ask.

[Jim Brierley]

You can use the 4 wheel drive T-5 and retain the torque tube as stated above. Check millerhi-speedheads.com, they can supply you with an adapter and more info. Also the method used by denis4x4 should work well. If you plan on doing any racing or hill-climbing, be sure the system is strong enough to take the abuse. T-5's come in many gear ratios, including the OD ratio, be sure you are getting the one you want. Al's transmission can supply info on that. [email protected] He is in SoCal and can build any ratio you want.