[My427stang]

Can you confirm that the Tremec TKO uses the same exact speedo gear as my toploader?

The reason I ask is that its on the opposit side and I want to make sure I dont need a gear off another Ford thats cut the opposite way

Thanks in advance!

 

[Flattman]

Yes, mine slipped right in.

 

[My427stang]

Thanks Flatt!

 

[My427stang]

Flatt, was yours a C-6 or 4 speed before the Tremec. It seems to me that the Tremec should take a C-6 style gear, not the 4 speed

 

[Flattman]

Mine was a 4 speed. The only thing is if you're doing the conversion, I'd opt for the shorter cable since the Tremec speedo drive is on the driver's side instead of the passenger side.

Did you already buy your trans?

 

[My427stang]

The whole swap is from a 427 FE 4 speed, to a 489 FE , TKO-600, I bought all my stuff from Dark Horse. You can see my "Mustang swallows FE and TKO" post a few posts down.

What doesnt make sense to me is that yours worked. With it being on the other side, its supposed to run a RH helix gear. 4 speeds like ours, should be LH helix gears.

Like I said, I got mine from Dark Horse, although I ended up cutting the floor and rasing the back of the tranny .625 higher at the mount to get the proper angles

The other odd thing is my buddy with a 468 powered 4 speed 73 Mach, used an opposite helix gear from a 3 speed on his 4 speed, and it worked fine. Doesnt seem like it should, but his did.

I'll give Tremec a call, my concern is chewing up an inside gear and having to take the tailshaft off, where if I just buy the right one now I am in good shape.

I certainly hope its a 4 speed gear LOL I have a few of them on the shelf

 

[gsxrken]

Please post your findings here. I have the same question.
BTW- How did you raise the trans... modifying the DHP cross member?

 

[Jason_67]

Is the swap pretty easy on the drive gear? Someone with a toploader said THAT one was held on by a big snap ring. I have both the drive and driven gears I need.

Any trick to sealing the tailshaft back up? I have been hesitant to do this job but must if I'm getting under there to do the hydraulic clutch, driveshaft, and pinion shims

Thanks...

 

[My427stang]

I will let you guys know, but right now I am 99% sure I need a C-6 or 3 speed driven gear (same), based on the laws of physics LOL (and some feedback from the FE forum )

As far as changing it, its a no brainer, one clip pop the new one on.

I raised mine by making a 1/2 inch spacer between the mount and the tranny, then a 1/8 spacer between the mount and the crossmember, it was very easy and very neat, I'll snap some pictures.

 

[Jason_67]

Sorry for the repeat question... what do you use to re-seal the tail shaft? I just would scream in horror if something like that 86'd my transmission... TIA

 

[Scode67FB]

I'd put my money on the C6 type gear. I'm sure most people swapping to a Tremec are going fom a three speed or auto. The C6 type gear would make the swap go easier, and those gears are alot easier to find than the reverse-cut four speed gears.

 

[My427stang]

Unless of course you are me.....I havent owned a C-6 or C-4 in 20 yrs LOL

But I clearly never find the easy way, even by accident!

 

[Jason_67]

I have the gears, after looking up the correct part #s, figuring out the combo I needed, and getting them from Ford... I just don't want to crack open the tranny without knowing how to make sure the tailshaft seals back up properly (which sealant, any tricks, etc.)

TIA

 

[My427stang]

Sorry Jason, I have not had mine off. However, most every tranny I have rebuilt has a thin paper gasket, which a very light coat of silicone will rejuvenate if it isnt ripped.

 

[Jason_67]

Thanks for the reply. I will find out what I can from the source, and post what I find out. I am just a bit worrisome about performing this operation... I still have a lot to learn.

 

[coolblue65]

I had a 3-speed in mine before I switched to the Tremec 3550 and I had to switch speedo gears, to the late model T-5/Tremec style.