302 three speed column transmission swap

[Krueg]

I have a 72 F100 with a 302 and three on the tree. I'm thinking about swapping out to a 4 or even a 5 speed. What are the preferred transmissions, and what will bolt up to the 302 with the least amout of work/money? I'm new to the Ford truck scene. Thanks in advance.

Eric

[fordman]

4 spd would probably be the easiest. you wouldn't have to change the bell if you did that. a np435 is probably the best one.

[ICEMAN6166]

the np435 4 speed should be a direct bolt in and other than needing the 4 speed floor cover is the easiest and least expensive way to go.
when changing to the 4 speed cover, your floor covering -carpet or rubber-will no longer fit, as the hump is taller.

[Krueg]

There's an NP435 for sale near me for $300. Does that sound good? I gather these trannies have a good reputation.(?)

My three speed is popping out of gear in 1st and 3rd occasionally, but more and more often. From what I read here this may just be an adjustment. Is that true? It's not the reason I want a new transmission, but it may quicken my decision.

Edited to say that there's a ZF 5 speed for $500. Would this work easily?

[spartman]

Quick question for you guys,

Why is the NP435 better than the t-18?

[lightning_msd]

there both granny gear transmissions arent they?

[67highboy]

Yes they are both "granny tranies". The shifter tower and shifter are a lot tighter and smoother on the 435 and its just plain a smoother shifting trans and is nearly indestructible. Great for off roaders and work trucks but it's absolutley not a performance unit, Either is the T-18 a performance trans, but it is very comparable to the 435 in strength. I personally prefer the 435 over the T-18 but I think between the two, It's a matter of personal preference.

If you are looking for a very strong "Dumptruck" style trans and not trying to make a performance truck than either of those is a great choice.

If your looking for a little more of a performance minded trans but a little more costly the toploader is a great choice as is a T-5, but the T-5 does suffer from durability issues especially in a heavy vehicle.
The mazda 5 spd found in newer 150's is a decent trans as well but does suffer a design flaw that could from lube starvation that i wont get into cause this post is longer than intended.

The ZF is also a great choice but its not very performance minded.

Hope this helps

John

[Krueg]

Yes, that helps. Thank you.

Would the ZF be as easy a swap as the np435?

[ICEMAN6166]

not sure what you would need to mate a ZF to a 302 but ford put them behind 460s and the powerstroke diesels.

[MadMaxetc]

when are you wanting to do this?

I am going to put a T-5 behind my 300 (same bell as a 302) in my 67.

I might not get to it for a few months, but it you are in no hurry, it might be of intrest to you.

[Krueg]

I'm not in a huge rush, but if I sock away enough cash without the wife knowing, it might just get done. Or, maybe I should just do it. Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. I'd definitely be interested in how yours works out.

[MadMaxetc]

I will keep you posted.

[AustinTom]

I know you could get a zf behind a 351 in 3/4 ton trucks. if you get the bellhousing out of one of those, it will fit behind your 302. With the Np435 you wont need to move the crossmember that supports the rear of the tranny. You may have to do that with the zf5, I'm not sure though.

[fordman]

i don't know about good prices. in your area. i bet i can beat his price including the shipping though. let me know what you think he can do for you and i will beat it.

as far as the rest of your questions your are correct. new hump new carpet and it will fit your bellhousing. i have a hump also. already cut out for the np435.

[Krueg]

Well, he was asking $300, but he didn't know it's history or year, and it looked kind of rough (from the outside anyway).