Transmission Rebuild.

This web page is about restoring/resto-rodding a 1950 Ford F-1 pickup, and is one of a series of articles documenting the project. I am providing this in the hope that it is helpful to fellow Ford truck owners, but beware that there are many ways to accomplish the same goals... I have only shown one way. Also, keep in mind, that my comments are specific to this year, make and model, and should not be generalized. Feel free to drop me a line if you see mistakes or need more information, but please understand if it takes me a while to respond. To go back to the main project page click here.

The tale of two transmissions...

Originally, I planned to rebuild and use the original 3-speed top loader transmission. But this presents a problem... with at 3.73 rear end and no overdrive, anything over 50 mph and the engine is screaming! I want to be able to drive on the interstate occasionally, so something had to be done about this. One solution to this is to change the axle ratio, but there are few options for the factory Dana 41 rear end, and the options that exist are for lower ratios, not higher. So my plan was to swap the rear axle out for a Ford 9" out of a later model F100, which fits perfectly and has lots of ring & pinion sets to choose from, like a 2.73, which makes interstate driving a possible.

However, after rebuilding the original transmission, I decided I'd rather keep the factory rear end and put an overdrive transmission in it.

I documented both the rebuild of the original 3-speed top loader and the installation of the T5 overdrive transmission, click the appropriate link.

Rebuild of the factory 3-speed Top Loader Transmission

Installing a Borg-Warner/Tremec T-5 transmission in a F-1 with a Flathead engine

Last Updated: Sunday April 04, 2010