Need transmission

[rags999]

City

Boise

State

Idaho

I have been told that a 51 Mercury3 speed transmission will fit in my 50 ford pickup in place of the original 4 speed transmission. Would appreciate any thoughts on this and if it will work would like to find the 3 speed with an overdrive.
Thanks,
Rags

 

[Crestliner]

49-50 Merc. has the wide bolt pattern like your ford. 51 has the later bolt pattern.

 

[tdemo43]

Rags, I do have the correct bellhousing that will mate the t-85 borg-warner 3-speed o/d ford trans to your 50 8ba flatty. I have several o/d trannys for sale, but only one bellhousing. The starter plate must match the bellhousing, I also have it with the bellhousing. Are you aware of the wiring needed to make the o/d soleniod work properly?? A friend of mine has this set up in a 46 1/2 ton with a warmed up flatty and he loves 2nd and over. The rear gear he used was a 3:50 ford 9" call me if you are interested. I live in Idaho Falls, Id. 208-524-3995 Tom

 

[DD931]

I replaced the original 4 speed in my '48 F-1 with a regular floor shift 3-speed. It's the same as in pickups from early 40's with open drive shaft. I bought mine at a swap meet. It doesn't need an additional bell housing, since the configration is like the earlier ones. You can convert a '39 or newer flloor shift ("top-loader") if you can find the right rear bearing retainer and longer output shaft. (I have a spare set if you are interested in striking a deal).

One note, though - the driveshaft is completely different. The original d'shaft that goes with the four-speed won't work. The rear mount is different (the three-speed is like the car) and the arrangement of universal joints is different. I found one leaning against a guy's garage here in Maine. You will also need a new yoke at the front end of the driveshaft.

The good news is that the truck drives a whole lot better and the bother was definitely worth it!

Norm

 

[rags999]

Thanks,
will give a call sunday and get more information.
Rags