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

[69timemachine]

Some more pics!

[69timemachine]

Some more pics!

[BlueovalFE]

Good stuff, Jason. My new 6-speed should be here by the end of next week.

[tbone6]

Great write up, Jason! Thanks a ton for all the tips and tricks. Question for you...do you have bench seat or buckets?
*edit, nm, I just saw the other pics...!

[jimmy828]

I want a Tremec Maybe in future.

[69timemachine]

Thanks guys! I hope this thread will help folks out. I thought about posting prices, but they always seem to go up in short time these days. If anyone needs more help, feel free to ask!

BlueovalFE- Feel free to post all your Magnum 6-speed info on here too, unless you think it would be easier for people to find on its own thread? Either way, I'll be following your progress when you post it! Thanks again!

Oh, and some time this week, I'll try to post a video on YouTube of my tach and speedo readings as I hit every gear. It'll be just like the one I already have on YouTube of my old TopLoader 4-speed while cruising.

[BlueovalFE]

I can't wait to see my tach read 1800 rpm whle my speedo reads 70 mph!

DeWayne

[69timemachine]

Hello all, I posted a video of my TKO-600 cruising in the Video Gallery forum. If you'd rather search for it on YouTube, just search "Leisurely Rowing the TKO-600". And if you'd like to see the old TopLoader 4-speed video for comparison, search "Leisurely Rowing the TopLoader".

[tbone6]

Very cool, thanks Jason!

[tbone6]

Hey Jason, one more question for you; do you happen to know your drive shaft length from flange to flange? I am converting mine from a 3 speed (shorter trans) so I will need to shorten/replace my drive shaft. I was hoping to get an idea on cost of doing the drive shaft before I order the tranny. Any thoughts on going aluminum (ok, so that's 2 questions)? Thanks!

[69timemachine]

I don't remember off the top of my head how much I shortened mine. I'd have to measure it for you. Whatever the difference in length is between the 3-speed and 4-speed, that's roughly how much you will have to shorten. I had mine shortened by a local shop when I went to the 4-speed, and they sent it to Houston for balancing, so that was a decent chunk of change. Luckily the TKO is about the same length as the 4-speed was! A less expensive option may be to visit your local salvage yard and see if they have a pile of driveshafts you can sift thorough. With any luck, you can find one to fit your new dimensions. If it uses a different joint, there are combination u-joints available. I myself don't really see much of a benefit to using an aluminum driveshaft, but you're welcome to give it a shot if you like!

[tbone6]

Yea, I am thinking a junk yard might be the cheaper option. I can get a quality aluminum shaft for ~ $350. Not sure on the cost of cutting and balancing. I guess I need to do some figuring on the lengths to get me in the ball park. I have been pretty darn close on the measurements so far. Thanks for the info and suggestions.

[69timemachine]

Tbone6- I measured my driveshaft tonight. My truck is a short wheelbase with a 9" rear end and the driveshaft measures 53" u-joint center to u-joint center. I would say you could get away with a maximum length of 53-3/4" CTC or a minimum length of 52-1/2" CTC, and still be pretty good for the TKO.

[tbone6]

Thanks, that is the exact number (53") I was getting with my figuring. This thread has been a great one!

[69timemachine]

Yep, I think you'll be ok if you're 1/2" either side of 53". My truck is lowered, so it only telescopes about 1/8" since the driveshaft is nearly inline with the transmission.