Is the T-18 Streetable

[Rick]

Is the T-18 a streetable transmission or was it designed more for the farm and work enviorment and not street friendly? By that I mean is the second to third gear change smooth? Is the third to fourth smooth? Is it difficult to downshift? This will be in a 1968 F100 with a 390 engine and 3:25 rear-end gears. This is not a work truck but an occasionally driven show truck. Would I be better off with a 303 three speed? Thanks in advance for your knowledge and opinions, Rick.

[jeepermc]

It is streetable but I'm guessing in your situation you would be happier with a less truck like transmission. You'd hardly ever use 1st gear probably and it does not shift near as smooth as other lighter duty transmissions. My .02...

[FORDification]

The T-18/T19 is a truck transmission, geared for use as such, but shifts smoothly and is darn-near bulletproof. Since first gear is so low, most folks just start off in 2nd anyway, so you basically have a 3-spd with a granny-gear low (first). For daily use it's just fine and with your 3.25 rearend gears will still give you decent mileage.

The only time I'd think it would necessary to use a different tranny would be if you're planning on doing some spirited 'high-performance' driving or if you wanted an automatic. For normal daily driving I see no great advantage to swapping to a 3-spd. manual.

[jor]

I have a T-18 with a strong 390. Like Keith said, they drive just fine. If you like to move from 0 to 60 quickly though, you will find second to third a bit challenging. Also, there seem to be at least three different shifter configurations. They are similar but the angles and heights are different. To me, it makes a big difference in the comfort and alacrity of the shift. Anyhow, I think you will be well satisfied with either 4-speed. Good luck. How about some photos of that show truck!
jor

[ToughOldFord]

Absolutely! I put a T-18 in my '79 when the NP died. Smooth, easy shifting, up and down. Truck would cruise at 85. Not that the tranny has much to do with that.

[Jake11]

I got a "T18" in my 250. I love it! First gear will let you drag your kneighbors truck across the street sideways. They are old fashioned and
bulletproof. They shift pretty good 2 thru 4. No synchro on 1st. You have
to double clutch it. Just be carefull with 1st. You can twist the driveline up
into a pretzle.

[Leadfoot]

well I know she is streetable, but under high power and rpm loads they can be a bitch to shift. at over 5000 rpm they have a tendency to lock during shifts. with that said I really don't think that you are racing that truck are ya.

[Jake11]

If yer askin if you can speed shift a T-18, NO!!
It's a HD truck unit. Get a Toploader with the "big" input/output shafts.
Their pretty stout.

[crazy larry]

speed shift? with a three foot shifter? lololol!

Nail was hit on the head by Keith ....

first is for getting that heavy load started, or pulling stumps.... 2-4 are fine.

[binder56jd]

don't forget that the T19 is sychronised and a little more "streetable"-jd

[pat67shorty]

If you want to rip gets get a tremec or a NV4500 for turck like use.

[averagef250]

The close ratio T-19 is another option and a true 4 speed, not a granny tranny. They used a bunch of them around 83-86 in 6.9 and 460 2wd trucks. The NV4500 is the sweet ticket for a truck, but the price scares most away. Driving an NV4500 would be functionally the same as driving a close ratio T-19 if you never use granny and the NV's shift effortlessly.