TKO 600 Input shaft vs 3550 input shaft

Clois Harlan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 03:51 PM

I just bought a TKO 600 and I was told it was in a 351 Ford as it turns out it has a 6.5" input shaft. My 3550 has a 7.21" input shaft. I think I will need to replace the existing input shaft with the longer 7.21" shaft.

Can anyone confirm this for me?

Clois

mpanten · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 07:34 PM

CLOIS,

I just replsced my 3350 with a 600, the shafts were the same, but it was a new 600 so im not sure about an older one.

mreid · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 07:37 PM

The short input shaft is made as a direct replacement for a top loader. Quicktime makes a bellhousing for a top loader on a small block or big block that your new tranny will bolt right up to. I am using it on my Kirkham. It uses an FE fork with the pivot on the driver's side.

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 08:51 PM

Clois, you either need a longer input shaft (regular Tremec length) or another bellhousing...

tool time George · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 09:46 PM

Clois, what was wrong with the old 3550? Was this off your Cobra or the Coupe?
Thanks George

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2012, 04:39 AM

BTW Clois, I forgot to add...

I'm sure you'll go the input shaft route. It's the cheapest and will work with your current setup. Just remember to get a factory length bearing retainer as well. When they switch to a short shaft, they have to cut the bearing retainer down too.

Clois Harlan · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2012, 05:22 AM

The 3550 was fine but I wanted the .82 OD for track use. I had a Kevlar clutch made here locally for my new 26 spline TKO 600 clutch but I didn't check the length of my input shaft until after I got home. The originall owner had bought a kit that had the traney included. However, he wanted to go with the original parts. This is a brand new transmission but it was custom made for an FE application I have since realized.

No big deal, I will contact my transimission guy here and have him replace the input shaft. I guess I could switch my tko 600 input shaft with my 3550 input shaft?

Clois

Racer_X · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clois Harlan

I just bought a TKO 600 and I was told it was in a 351 Ford as it turns out it has a 6.5" input shaft. My 3550 has a 7.21" input shaft. I think I will need to replace the existing input shaft with the longer 7.21" shaft.

Can anyone confirm this for me?

Clois

Clois
If you don't have need for the short input shaft, I can use it for my FE with TKO. I'm in need of the short shaft version.
Thanks, Curtis