Toploader Imposter Question

[jnewton59]

I am considering installing a car four speed of some sort into my '68 f-100 with a 390. I have researched compatibility, etc. including the information on this site and have become somewhat familiar with what toploaders will work best. My question however concerns the late 70's early 80's four speeds, generally referred to as toploader imposters, (actually three + fourth actually being an overdrive ) with id - RUG-BP, RUG-CA, RUG-CL, and RUG-CD. My questions are, has anyone else made this swap? This being a somewhat light duty transmission, will it hold up behind a 390 for general transportation and shows (no towing or heavy use).
The main reasons I'm considering this transmission are; cost mush less than a regular toploader 4 speed, bolt-in compatibility, availability of rebuilt kits, shifter location - no seat clearance issues, and the cruising advantages of the overdrive. Everything seems to be advantageous in my opinion, but I'm really hung-up on the strength issue, I think the largest engine these were used with was the 302.

[70_F100]

I think the largest engine these were used with was the 302.

There's a reason for that...

[Eric L]

I purchased one a while back to swap into my F-100 with a 240. not the strongest.. but I'll be posting up during/after the install, it was supposed to be done already, but stuff comes up. hopefully in the next few weeks.

paid 47.99 for mine at Pick n pull over memorial weekend. half price sale. went scouting to find one and found one laying on the ground under a truck, looked some more found one in a truck.. pulled it and liked the looks of the insides better. after scavenging some spare parts off of the first one I noticed that the first one had a broken mount that I had overlooked.

Edit: they come in different ratios, so keep that in mind when shopping. I got the wide ratio with like a 3.25 1st gear, and I think just a tad more OD. I got the truck model top shift.. looks like this one

[cdeal28078]

Some of the ratios really suck drive-ability wise. The 3rd gear on the ones I have driven were a really low ratio and lugged the engine down at just the wrong rpm.
clint