3sp transmission's for 55 Ford

[djpink1947]

I wanted to replace my current trans with another 3sp trans. I bought one from a guy here locally. It had some markings on the tail shaft which read 2:78. I assumed it was first gear ratio. When I took it to my buddies shop to have him install it, it turned out the tail shaft was 4 to 6 inches short. I searched all my manuals, and found in my 55 Ford manual that a 3sp trans with a 2:78 first gear was install into all 55's with 6 cylinders. My trans has a 2:57 first gear ratio. So my question is do 6 clinder trans differ from 8 cylinder trans. They have too. Anyone out here have any facts to help me in what is correct. Thanks, Dave

 

[28RPU]

I don't know if it is the same as your situation,but waay back in the day when I had my first car,its was a 56 auto.I converted it to a straight shift and the trans I got at first had a short tailshaft.It turned out to have come out of a 49-51 Ford.Maybe you have a similar transmission.I finally found the right transmission,looked just like the other except for the tailshaft.I know thats not what you asked but it might lend some information.