[Roger Bolick]

I have yet to see the longer input shaft addressed completely.

I cannot remember the Ford history, but somehow there became two lengths of the input shaft and the old FE installations had the shorter one. Otherwise the Toploader and Tremec 5 speed are identical. Oh, one other difference is the belly is slightly larger and the trans mount moves back a couple of inches to clear the larger 5 speed belly. Even the trans mount hole spacing is identical!

There are two means to retrofit these:

1. pay $150 for a 3/4" aluminum adaptor
2. use the shorter input shaft, its a Tremec part (this isn't just a shortened shaft, its redone on the end and looks like the toploader tip)

These are easy to change once you've done it the wrong way once...

I paid $100 to swap this input shaft when I purchased my Tremec. It would be NICE to have the factory ship these this way!!!!

Adaptor vs. correct input shaft

1. cheaper
2. eliminates weight and 4 extra bolts and the aluminum plate
3. retains the same driveshaft length as the toploader
4. retains the same shifter position as the toploader
5. lessens the rearward movement of the trans mount...
6. lessens the rearward movement of the big belly, a factor in Mustans, etc.

If you buy the input separately its $246 and then you have a spare brand new input shaft... wow, just what I always wanted! Guess you could swap to a small block with this piece.

A factory special order part number would be ideal.

I see no negatives and am surprised that no one mentioned this....