What overdrive would I need

[BP57CUSTOM]

I have a 57 custom 300 with a 312 y block and a 3 speed manual on the tree. The 3 speed supposedly came from a 63 ford and is synchronized. I have a 3.70 rear gear , I would like to change to a fully synchronized 3 speed manual trans. with electric overdrive (for road trips). What part# transmission would I be looking for and what year and body style would it come from? If anyone can supply this info I ,I thank you.

[hiball3985]

Just off the top of my head I can't think of any fully synchronized 3 speed that had overdrive.

[gasman826]

Late '70s into the early '80s, a few Granada/Monarchs and some pickups were equipped with overdrive top loader 4 speeds.  Third gear was direct with 4th overdrive.  Not a high HP transmission but would be stock Y-block alternative.

[hiball3985]

I forgot about the top loader. Did they have a narrow bell housing bolt pattern or a wide or did they have both?

[lalessi1]

I believe the overdrive Toploaders all had the wide bolt pattern, not positive but the ones I have seen did not have narrow pattern as an option.

[hiball3985]

I believe the overdrive Toploaders all had the wide bolt pattern, not positive but the ones I have seen did not have narrow pattern as an option.

Thanks Lynn, I've never seen one out so I had no clue..

[djfordmanjack]

I believe you are talking about the RUG transmission from ca 1980 Ranger 2wd ? Jay (Ecode70D) is als very knowledgable in them.

[hiball3985]

I believe you are talking about the RUG transmission from ca 1980 Ranger 2wd ? Jay (Ecode70D) is als very knowledgable in them.

I believe Jays Is the RUG 3.03 type, 3 speed all synchro but no OD. Thats what BP57custom has in the car now but wants an OD.

[lalessi1]

I am a little confused about Ford's tranny designations. Looking at David Kee Toploaders ID charts it looks like the 4 speeds (no overdrive 4th) were designated either HEH- or RUG- with several letters/numbers following those letters to describe the transmission and what car it was in originally. Based on his charts the 3 speed top loaders were either HEE, HEF, HEG, RAC, RAN or RAT variations. Kee calls the later overdrive transmissions 3 speeds with overdrive (imposters) and all were designated RUG-. His web site is the most informative site on top loaders that I have run across. He also states that the "imposter" top loaders all have wide bolt patterns only. I have a thread speed top loader (narrow pattern) that I was going to use until I ran across a 4 speed if any one is interested in it.

http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com

[hiball3985]

Thanks Lynn, I wasn't sure about the RUG designation, I always referred to the 3 speed all synchro top loaders as 3.03's. It took me a while to find out why they called them that..

[BP57CUSTOM]

Thanks All , I may wind up changing the rear gear to a 3.50 or something ,its currently 3.70. But I would rather have an o.d. My current 3 speed is supposed to be from a 1963 ford. Does the 57 bell require a narrow bolt pattern?

[lalessi1]

The stock Y-block is a narrow pattern.

[BP57CUSTOM]

Thanks.

[SkylinerRon]

You will not notice much difference between a 3.50 and 3.70.  About the same as going to a 1" taller tire.

It is possible to drill and thread your bell housing for the wide pattern.

The "imposter" top loader was also used in pickup trucks and vans.

Only AMC ever sold an all synchro 3 sp w/ OD.

Good luck,

Ron.

[djfordmanjack]

second that opinion ! I had a 3.25 w a 351 in my 57 Del Rio and it was ok-ish but not reasonable on highway driving. I believe you'd want something closer to 3.0 rearend or rather a ca. 0.7 Overdrive

You will not notice much difference between a 3.50 and 3.70. About the same as going to a 1" taller tire.