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Toploader to T-5
Does anybody know if I can replace my toploader with a T-5 without having to change the length of my drive shift.
thanks |
Depends on what Toploader you go with....some have 14" tailhousings and some have 17" (I think) tailhousings.
I found a website which gives the overall lengths of each....and I assume the Toploader is a short tail Toploader. The overall length of a T5 is 31.6". The overall length of a 14" Toploader is 31.75". That's overall though....There's a difference in how long the input shafts are and a difference in the tailhousings. But chances are you can use the same driveshaft...just make sure there's an appropriate amount of slip yoke sticking out of the tailhousing. |
I made the switch last winter. It was VERY close on the shaft length. The spacer you need to use is 3/4 inch thick if you use your TP bell housing. If you go with a new bellhousing, the housing will be 3/4 inch deeper so you won't need the spacer but the length will still be the same. I will be happy to answer any Questions you have about the switch. I am also looking for a Toploader for a new cobra if you are selling yours.
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Changing the length of your driveshaft is not that big of a deal. Truck repair shops do this regularly, particularly in the snow belt for pickups used for snow removal.
If you're driving a West Coast with a 429 in it, one of the new Tremec T-600's may make for a far better trans than a T-5. (Not even sure you could find a 429 bellhousing for the T-5) The T-600 should fit your toploader bellhousing, and a replacement heavy duty driveshaft would be recommended. |
Is your toploader a 31 spline big input/output? If so, except for the extra gear, the toploader is a better transmission. The 429 WILL scatter a T5. If you want a 5th gear, do what Jack says and get the T600 and sell the toploader to me. What rear gear do you have? Maybe all you need is a different rear gear,(cheaper than a new trans!)
Tim |
Here is a link to an article that you might find interesting. I am planning to perform this swap over the winter so many of the questions you have I also have. My engine, though, is a 351W. I'm not so sure that I would consider sticking a T5 behind a 429 with all that torque unless the tranny was one of the T5Z models torque rated at 350 lb/ft or higher. Do you even know if anyone makes a bell housing or preferably a scatter shield for this combination?
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...ap/index.shtml |
I'm not sure I would put a T-5 behind anything with more than 300 hp. Going from a Toploader to a T-5 is like going from the Queen Mary to a canoe.
What do you want for your TL? |
Cal Metal, You've got an e-mail from me at your home address, I think. Jim
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Don't get me wrong, the T5Z is a teriffic trans for a 302, 0r 351W. Only the limit of street tire adhesion protects the trans as you punch the engine into big block territory. A 393W is right on the edge.
Now that Tremec has these new tranies that give you 5 useable gears (instead if 3), anything in the 400HP and up range for a Cobra needs a T-600, not a T5Z. This is especially applicable for a West Coast because they are heavier than standard Cobras. |
Sorry for a little mix up, I also own a 1965 Griffith which has a 289 and a toploader. I am currently changing this 4 speed to a T5. The project is becoming a longer task than expected. Now I assembled a new 302 with 4-2 barrel Dellortos, rewired the car, repainted engine compartment, new brake lines, rebuilt half shafts, new bushings. Installing a mcleod hydraulic throwout bearing to save some space and went with an updated bell housing for the different length in the input shaft. This car only weights 1500lbs. The T5 should hold up. All most ready to reinstall motor and T5.
Thanks for all your help, I'll keep you up dated. By the way my west coast has a c6 installed. I'm think my next project will be to change the C6 to TKO600. |
Just to give you a heads up. I just TRASHED my NWC T5 with a built 351W with 348 hp at the rear tires.
There are guys who can bulid a T5 to handle high amounts of hp and torque. So do some research. I went from a toploader to the T5 and really love it. You can cruse the freeways and have that 5th to calm things down. Matt |
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