TKX to y-bock engine

[cos]

Hello Members  Starting to look at OD trans options for 57 ranchero. Thought about autos but read here pros and cons have kinda decided on a manual. I like what I read here about tremecs trans. The new THX is expensive but really makes job expensive is the bellhousings. Do I have this right, only way to make this work is with a aftermarket BH (quick time or Lakewood). Did not  get a price on Lakewoods but Quick time retails for about thousand dollars. Thanks for any advice  Bill  Oregon

[gasman826]

Tremec makes Ford Toploader compatible TKO500, TKO600 and the newer TKX.  Unfortunately, these tranmissions replace the wide bolt pattern Toploader and the OEM Y-block bell housings used the narrow Toploader bolt pattern.  The TKOs offered a spacer plate but I don't think it was thick enough to make it an adapter.  Mummert has an adapter for an early T5.

I was getting ready to buy another TKO600 when I researched the T56 Magnum.  With the list of improved features and SIX speeds, three hundred bucks seemed well worth the upgrade.  I then found out the T56 would NOT bolt to my Lakewood bell.  It was a little hard to swallow the price of a new Quick Time.   

[57chero]

Have you checked with Modern Driveline in Idaho; I used them when I put a 5 spd. in my 65 fastback, you can check out there web site or call them and tell them what your trying do very knowledgeable guys.  I know they make an adapter plate for the T5 to the y block bell housing for under $300, I don't know about the TKX.

[cos]

Thanks for replies.  57 Chero I sent you a PM but don't think it worked. can I contact you?  Bill  Oregon

[59meteor]

Although I am looking into replacing the 4 speed Toploader in my 428 powered 59, for a mild Y block, I would think a stock T5 would be more than adequate, and with an adapter be much cheaper than buying a new TKX , bellhousing, and possibly a clutch.

[lalessi1]

I have been looking at the TKX, there seems to be conflicting info on whether or not the Ford version fits on a Toploader bell housing?? If it does I could use my clutch as well. I need a trans good for 600 lb-ft of torque...

[gasman826]

I've had two different sources assure me the TKX is a direct replacement for the toploader...the later, wide bolt pattern.  The clutch disc will need changed.

[lalessi1]

I have a 1 1/16" 10 spline disc, won't that work? Confused as always....

[gasman826]

Input shaft spline count is 26.  My other Tremecs are both 26 spline.

[lalessi1]

They make a FORD specific. It has the 1 1/16" 10 spline input shaft.

https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/transmissions/tremec-tkx-5-speed-tuet18086-ford-10-spline-72-5th-gear/

[59meteor]

Unless Tremec has made a Toploader replacement TKX, it is my understanding that all the Ford TKXs have the longer T5 length input shaft, that is approx. 1" longer than a Toploader. I hope they will offer a TKX as a direct replacement for a Toploader, like they do for GM and MoPar applications. They do show 1 version that uses the 1 1/16"x10 spline input, like a small input Toploader, but only with one set of ratios, but there are 3 different gearing choices for a Ford with a 26 spline input.

[81TTA]

If the TKX's are an evolution of the earlier TKO's, it makes sense they only have one gearset option for a 10-spline input.  I think there was only one TKO (TKO 500?) that had 10-spline shaft as well.  The rest of the 600 series had 26 splines.

For the TKO 500, they did offer a shorter 10-spline input shaft that should have made it an otherwise "drop in" for a toploader.  I'd guess the same holds true for TKX.  But, I haven't seen any literature or parts lists to confirm this.

I imagine it might have been cheaper, assuming the driveshaft needed modification anyway, to use a 1-inch adapter plate rather than changing the input shaft for TKO swaps?

[lalessi1]

In this description American Powertrain says it bolts up to a "standard Ford Toploader Bellhousing". This was my source...

https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/transmissions/tremec-tkx-5-speed-tuet18086-ford-10-spline-72-5th-gear/