T-5 in a 39 question

I just installed a 8BA w/ a T-5 in my 36 using a Dwight Bond adapter. I am also running a drop axle w/ split wishbones. I used a Pete and Jake's wishbone plate that I modified and I am running a TH350 style trans mount. I had to remove the entire rivited plate from the center section of the X-member to fit. The x-member is now braced by the wishbone split plate. I am doing mine w/ the body on chassis, so I just used the plasma cutter to remove, but if you have a bare frame you just drill out the rivets.
I am using a T-5 from an S-10 which puts the shifter placement about 6" closer to the seat than the original 3spd.

P1000278.jpg


CIMG3730.jpg


P1000178.jpg


P1000179.jpg
 
If you want to stay unsplit (sorta)
This is what im doing (8ba - 35 three window)
Model A yoke in the 35 wishbone to clear the T5 case. Trans mount lands right in the center of the tube (no holes yet)
I will be bolting a flat plate w flush bolts to the stock rubber trans mount to get the mounting bolts outside the ball.
1 ½” x 3" x 188 tube w nuts welded to a ball cap - inset and welded into the tube.
Obviously the X is cut more than necessary (previous auto trans install)and I had to heat and bend the spring perches back out a bit (easy)





387989767.jpg
 
That looks pretty nice Dirty Dan, but I'd still try to get something across the topside of the X member to tie it together.
 
X38 said:
That looks pretty nice Dirty Dan, but I'd still try to get something across the topside of the X member to tie it together.
Click to expand...

I agree... I'm planning on putting something behind the transmission on top of the frame. The transmission sits up pretty high, so the brace will need to be behind the transmission output shaft.
 
What are you guys using for rear springs and rear end? I assume it will be something with longatudinal leaf springs? Ive heard early bronco but I don;t know what year.
 
Thanks for the pictures guys. I am planning on doing the same t-5 swap on my 39 pickup. This is a very helpful thread.
Pete
 
Gary in Mozarks said:
What are you guys using for rear springs and rear end? I assume it will be something with longatudinal leaf springs? Ive heard early bronco but I don;t know what year.
Click to expand...
Use the rear from the first generation Broncos(don't remember the exact years). Fits perfectly in my 39 and has 5 1/2" bolt pattern. I used a Chassis Engineering kit to install it. I installed the aluminum 3 speed OD from a mid 80's Ford pickup with the 300 cu. in. 6. Only had to make minor modifications to the center section of the frame. Bolts up to 49 - 53 bellhousing. With a 3.70 rear axle, I turn 2500 rpm at 73 mph. Also the shifter is almost exactly in the stock location. With my 39 shifter grafted on, no one knows the difference.
 
Last edited:
I am using an early bronco rear end as well. The years range from 1966-1977. I think 72 and later use a big bearing if you can find them. Most all of them have 3:55 gears as well. I am using the Chassis Engineering parallel spring kit to mount the rear.

For the front I am using the supplied ends from the Pete and Jakes kit. Just poly bushings. You basically cut the wish bone and weld a bung in each open end then thread the poly bushing hardware into that and it all bolts up to the plate mounted to the bottom of the frame rails. I modified mine to be larger and incorporate a trans mount.
The car is much further along than in these pics, but I have these uploaded already.

P1000191.jpg
 
Btw Dan, I really like the gold on the engine and wheels, goes well with the body colour.
 
Roger, is that top plate something you made or purchased? I really like the looks of it. Seems like that would really stiffen up the x-member.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top