[blykins]

Well considering the fact that people swap parts around on these things like crazy, it is what it is.

I just bought a Toploader.....RUG AJ....Kee's site says it's a big in/big out/close ratio out of a Fairlane. Yet it has a long tailhousing and mainshaft in it from a Torino or such.

There's a list of things to check if you're planning on buying a Toploader and not rebuilding it:

1. The engagement teeth on the bronze blocking rings and ESPECIALLY the gears themselves should be very pointy. If not, if they're flat and squared off, then the trans could shift poorly or slip out of gear.

2. Grab the input shaft and turn it...does it feel smooth or can you feel a noisy bearing?

3. Look at the rear seal and pop the input bearing retainer off and look at that seal...are they soft and pliable...or cracked and dried out?

4. Try to put it into first and third gears at the same time...you may have to unhook the linkages if the shifter is on, but if you can do that, then the interlock pin is missing and the trans will need to come apart...no questions asked.

Like I said, I just bought one and after I got it home (I had the intention of a total rebuild anyway) I could find several things wrong with it right off the bat....outer detent springs missing, flattened gear engagement teeth on 2nd and 3rd gears, etc.

Go with your gut...but check some of the obvious things.