Finally gonna do it; TopLoader 4 speed to TKO-600 swap!

[69timemachine]

I just sold my TopLoader out of my truck last Saturday and have been creating a little cash stash for quite some time now. I finally have enough to upgrade to the TKO-600. Hopefully I can order it this week. Another modification I will be making at the same time will be the change from 3.70 gears to 4.56 gears and the addition of an Detroit TrueTrac differential. I'll try to post my progress as I go. Wish me luck!

[jimmy828]

Please, please, post some pics and info on this project. School me!!

[69timemachine]

Here you go; From the research I have done, here are the basics:

-The TKO input shaft is a little longer, so when you order, you have three options: (1) use your stock bellhousing, but buy the 3/4" thick spacer plate that some vendors like American Powertrain offer for around $160, (2) use your stock bellhousing and pay around $150 to get the shorter Ford input shaft upgrade, or (3) use a race bell housing and leave the TKO as-is.

-Next, the input shaft is 26 spline instead of 10 spline on the TKO-600, so you'll have to change discs. However, the TKO-500 is 10 spline on the input.

-The stock clutch linkage can be reused.

-The output shaft is a 31 spline, so you'll need the proper yoke there. A C6 yoke should work as long as it has splines going all the way to the end, and there are aftermarket new yokes available too.

-Depending on your current trans, you may need to shorten or lengthen your driveshaft. The TopLoader 4 speed I'm replacing is virtually the same length as the TKO, so I'm good there. The 3-speed manuals should be shorter, so the driveshaft will have to be shortened on those.

-The crossmember should sit around 3.25" further back of where it does with a TopLoader 3 or 4 speed, and as long as you get a Ford-spec TKO, the stock trans mount can be reused.

-The shift cover can be turned around easily to move the shifter forward, or a mid-mount shifter can be ordered if you need the shifter further forward yet.

-The speedometer cable should connect right up as-is.

-There are tons of sticks out there to orient the knob exactly where you want it, or you could even build your own stick easily.

And don't forget that in order to make the most out of the trans swap, a rear end gear ratio change will possibly be be needed. Hopefully all my research is correct and it will go off without a hitch! I will be sure to keep everyone posted though!

[69timemachine]

I ordered my new tranny today from American Powertrain in Tennessee. They had a good price and had free shipping for the month of May, so that probably saved me $100 to $150 right there. They really were knowledgeable and asked me some questions about my setup just to be sure I would get exactly what I needed with no surprises. Now comes the hard part; waiting for it to get here!

[jimmy828]

Opening that crate with eyes as big as 50 cent piece and smiling from ear to ear

[tbone6]

Looking forward to following this thread, thanks for posting. Are you going with a new bellhousing, If so, which one? Clutch? I am several months away from doing the TKO swap in my 72.

[mrtleavitt]

Keep good records please! I have always wanted to do this! I wanna see everything that goes into this swap. Do you dare say what the tranny cost you? Keep records on total cost too!

[69timemachine]

tbone6- I'm keeping my stock iron bellhousing and using the 3/4" spacer plate between the bell and tranny to avoid buying the Ford input shaft upgrade for $150. Either way costs about the same though. My clutch is a Centerforce with less than 1000 miles on it, so I'm just going to swap to a 26 spline Centerforce disc.

mrtleavitt- The TKO-600 is $2,295 and the spacer plate is $150. The Centerforce clutch disc I need is $150 and the driveshaft yoke I need is $80. After that, it's just a Hurst stick in the right length for about $80 to $100.

The kicker is what 5th gear ratio you choose in your TKO and what gears you currently have. I chose the .64 fifth gear because I am changing to 4.56 gears. That should give me a good mix of strong acceleration and still have a nice cruising RPM of about 2000 @ 55 and 2600 @ 70. My TopLoader was 3400 rpm in 4th @ 70 with 3.70 gears! Just remember that having to change gears will add another $300 or so to the swap, and even more if you plan on adding a locker or limited slip differential while you're in there. I will be installing the Detroit TrueTrac, which runs about $500.

[tbone6]

Thanks for the reply. I have been waffling between the tranny gear ratios, my truck has a 3.25 rear end at the moment. My small block engine, when complete, should be in the ~350hp, 375 torque range. I am looking at a daily cruiser build and I will probably convert to a hydraulic clutch, so I am leaning towards a bellhousing swap. Also, I figure the hundred bucks or so additional cost for the tko 600 is money well spent, even if I have no plans for the higher torque capability, although the gearing will play into my decision here.

t6

[69timemachine]

Here is something useful in case you haven't seen it:

http://americanpowertrain.com/p-7584-sp ... lyzer.html

You can plug in your current ratio and see how things look. My truck has a pretty big cam, so it's happiest at about 1500 rpm and up for steady cruising.

[69timemachine]

To anyone wanting to brush up on rebuilding a 9 inch third member and see a Detroit TrueTrac get installed, this four video series has some pretty good info. They're a little corny at times, but make up for it in info.

http://youtu.be/LeWfDTZEW0Y

http://youtu.be/h56pkdrNOok

http://youtu.be/-NmO-h0lkqM

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=bsf66xx8eFs


I also ordered my 4.56 gears, TrueTrac, bearing kit, shift lever, clutch disc, and shifter ball today!

[tbone6]

Looks like you are in for a fun summer! Thanks for the links.

[SoCalExile]

Tag!

[BlueovalFE]

Subscribing. Thanks Jason.

[BlueovalFE]

So, any news to report? I sold the '42 last Friday so I'm ready to take the plunge. But I'm going with a 4:11 instead of the 4:56.