My SROD Top Loader

springin · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:14 AM

My trans is starting to rattle badly in overdrive. Sounds like loose parts in a shaken tin can coming right up the shifter.... Is the SROD worth the trouble to rebuild or should I be considering a different trans.... It is mated to a 351C with plenty of HP and Torque. Thx.

PS: I've recently heard that this trans may require ATF (never woulda guessed) right now it is using 90wt. Any comments or advice is appreciated.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:23 AM

Does your transmission have external shifter linkages?

A Toploader doesn't have a single (shifter) rail....nor an overdrive.

springin · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:28 AM

Bear with me on this one as I am new to Ford.... The trans is a RUG. The research I have done so far tells me it is from a 66 to 68 mustang or fairlane. The trans is aluminum and definitely is an OD trans.... The shift rail is enclosed in an aluminum fab'd tube. I have never come across this tranny before.

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:38 AM

What you're describing is not a Toploader. Toploaders are not aluminum. It seems like you have a SROD transmission out of an early 80's Ford application, before Ford started using T5's.

I personally wouldn't put any time or effort into it.

A buddy of mine says that these have sloppy shifters from the get-go, so it may be just the nature of the transmission.

However, if it needed a rebuild, I think I would pass and find something a little more modern and gutsy, or a true Toploader 4-speed.

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:45 AM

Let me clarify...

This is a Toploader transmission, yes, as the guts go in through the top of the trans. However, this isn't a Toploader as what comes in a 60's Ford application.

This is basically a 3 speed with overdrive, where a true 4-speed Toploader doesn't have an overdrive.

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:48 AM

There were a few RUG top loader 4 speed OVER DRIVE tans, but they were iron case, far as I know. Appearance wise they look very much like a standard issue top loader. Aurora replica Cobras are often found the iron case 4 speed OD top loader trans.

I don't know much about the alloy case 4 speed Single Rail Over Drive trans and didn't think they were commonly referred to as "top loaders".

springin · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 11:53 AM

Thanks very much,,,, still learning. Jumping from a lifetime of vettes to this is extreme. I seldom use the OD anyway.... Do you have any comments on the ATF stuff i have heard.

tcrist · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 12:44 PM

I have a "RUG" setting in my garage. The case is non magnetic (ALUM?) and it has the plates on the top for working on it. The shifter rails are in a tube and is mounted on the left side of the tail shaft.

Why don't they call it a 4spd when there are actually 4 forward gears?

Springin, I do have some printed out information on this trans. I am also looking to get rid of it since I have a T5 in my car and a 3550 in the garage that I need a case for.
I have never used it as I only got it for mockup purposes from a Ford specialty wrecking yard. If you are interested in another one let me know. PM me your e-mail address and I can copy the info that I have an send it to you if you want.

Terry