Difference between '48-'52 truck bell & '51 Merc bell?

B

BobM

Senior Member
Is there any difference between the cast iron '48-'52 truck bell housing and the late '51 Merc bell housing? Reason I ask I see an adapter offered that will work with the truck bell but no mention of the late '51 Merc bell, I see no difference except truck bell is cast and the Merc is stamped. The adapter will allow the use of 4 speed top loader behind an 8BA.
 
Just removed this from an 8BA on Sunday, not sure if it is the one you are talking about as it allowed you to put the earlier 3 speed (and likely the pre 48 4 speed) behind an 8BA. I beleive it was used until 52 for the light duty F-1's. Rod
 

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BobM said:
Is there any difference between the cast iron '48-'52 truck bell housing and the late '51 Merc bell housing? Reason I ask I see an adapter offered that will work with the truck bell but no mention of the late '51 Merc bell, I see no difference except truck bell is cast and the Merc is stamped. The adapter will allow the use of 4 speed top loader behind an 8BA.
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The '49-early '51 Merc used a stamped steel 1/2 bell similar to the '48-'52 truck cast iron part. The later '51 bell was a full size cast iron part, similar to the '52-'53 bells, but with the '40-'48 style clutch cross shaft and T/O bearing fork.
 
I may be wrong but I think the cast alum. truck bell is a little larger on the inside to accomodate a larger clutch and pressure plate. I think they are also used for the C-4 trans. installation.
 
I have often heard the same thing that 19Fordy posted but I have never confirmed this as fact. I have always heard the cast iron truck bell housing will accept up to an 11" clutch and pressure plate while the stamped steel Merc version will only accept up to a 10" C&PP. So, if the above is true, and you are using a 10" or smaller C&PP, the difference would be transparent.
 
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V8 Bob said:
The '49-early '51 Merc used a stamped steel 1/2 bell similar to the '48-'52 truck cast iron part. The later '51 bell was a full size cast iron part, similar to the '52-'53 bells, but with the '40-'48 style clutch cross shaft and T/O bearing fork.
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V8 Bob, so may I then assume that my early '51 Merc half bell (8RT-6366-C) will work in place of the '48-'52 truck bell, I ask because you stated "it is similar." I consulted your site on IDing flathead bell housings but didn't see the late '51 Merc bell. Thanks everyone for the help.
 
BobM said:
V8 Bob, so may I then assume that my early '51 Merc half bell (8RT-6366-C) will work in place of the '48-'52 truck bell, I ask because you stated "it is similar." I consulted your site on IDing flathead bell housings but didn't see the late '51 Merc bell. Thanks everyone for the help.
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The cast and stamped 1/2 bells are the same height but the cast iron truck part will allow the larger 11" clutch.
There are several pictures of the full cast iron '51 Merc bell housing included in the "Bell housing ID" link.
 
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V8 Bob said:
The cast and stamped 1/2 bells are the same height but the cast iron truck part will allow the larger 11" clutch.
There are several pictures of the full cast iron '51 Merc bell housing included in the "Bell housing ID" link.
Click to expand...
Thanks Bob, I now know what the late '51 Merc bell looks like. Hope I can find one it's exactly what I need, wouldn't have to buy an adapter.
 
The 52-53 Ford/Mercury car bellhousing #AC6394D will work with a late model transmission (small block long shaft). It will take a 10" clutch and still have clearance. Found all parts for bellhousing at Mac's except back ordered clutch forks. Only thing I am questioning is which pilot bearing to use with the later toploader 4 speed?
 
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