What kind of transmission do I have?

[NewBlueTruck]

I hear people refer to C6 and T18's on this board. What is my transmission? It's a 3spd manual in a '72 (with a 360). How does this transmission stack up against the automatic in terms of reliability and build quality?

[FORDification]

Ford trucks from this era could get automatics as a C-4, C-6 or FMX. All are considered part of the 'Cruise-o-matic' family.

Manual 4-spd transmissions included the T-18 and NP-435, both virtually bullet-proof, though the NP-435 is a bit better in terms of ruggedness. The manual 3-spd is also called a 3.03 and is also a very rugged and reliable tranny. In fact, they're often used in low-budget stock cars (roundy-rounds) because of their durability.

As long as any of the manual transmissions are full of fluid and not overly abused, they'll outlast the rest of the truck. The automatics require more-frequent servicing and won't last as long, but that's the price paid for being too lazy to manually row the gears. Here's an 'under construction' page discussing the manual trannies:

http://www.fordification.com/transmissions-manual.htm

[splavin90]

you've got a ford 3.03 toploader, if it's column shift

[flyboy2610]

The automatics require more-frequent servicing and won't last as long, but that's the price paid for being too lazy to manually row the gears.

Hey, now, sonny!
I've EARNED the right to let the tranny do the work!

[19674x4]

yep deffinetally a 3.03 top loader