4 Speed for a 5 Speed

[4banger]

Today I took out my 57 2 dr sedan 427 for a ride. Only this time I put a TREMEC 500-5 speed in it. Took out the top loader 4 speed . It was really different. I mean it was GRRRRR-ATE. No problems, everything went according to plan. Hard to get use to the low RPM but I think I can handle it.

[RICH MUISE]

Awesome...don't ya love it when a plan comes together?

[Ford Blue blood]

and it is so easy!

[4banger]

It went so smoooooooooooooth I thought I was on a TV car show where nothing goes wrong and they get done in half an hour.

[hiball3985]

Not having any luck finding a 3 spd OD this sounds like a great alternative. Can you give a quick blow by blow modifications need for the conversion.

[4banger]

I used my FE stock bell housing. Bolted right up. 5 speed was about 4 3/4 " shorter than the top loader. Used my stock 57 trans. crossmember. Altered it 2 3/4" at the mount to fit the longer trans mount location. Original driveshaft was 55 3/4 " could have worked, but had a new shaft made to 56 3/8".  Shifter almost in the same location as the 4 speed.  Driveshaft angle as original at 3 1/2  degrees. This is for a 2 dr. sedan. which is shorter than the Fairlane hard top. Good Luck , no problems except for the cost.

[hiball3985]

Thank you for the info. The mount and driveshaft I can handle but the trans may have to wait until I hit the lottery 

[JPotter57]

You can find the Tremec 3550 TKO 500 and 600 used sometimes for about 12-1500 or so, be sure to check the synchros/blocker rings.  It's hard to tear these trans up, but if abused it can happen.  Usually by some clown that doesnt know how to shift.  Still not cheap, but an easier pill to swallow than a new $2700 trans...

[hiball3985]

Thank you James, I was pricing a few used ones but unfortunately they are still out of my budget for what I need. I will continue to look for a good T-89 like I use to run in my Custom 300, they work great for my purpose.