429/TOPLOADER QUESTIONS****

[Bullit]

Hi all!
I have some serious questions regarding the mating rituals of my 429CJ and a 4-speed Toploader Transmission. I want to put these 2 together but have no idea as to what will work with what. I know there's special bell housings that must be used. What I'd like to know is .... has ANYONE done this and are you willing to give me a list of what I need? How about hydraulic? I'll give you the specs on "SHORTY".. 1968 F100 short-bed in maybe a solid 6.5 condition(light rust in the bed with a few holes drilled for tie-downs) when I found him last year in south-eastern Oregon. Currently has a 390/C6 auto that's gonna be donated out to anyone wanting it... Just sent the 429CJ out to the machine shop and expect it to be done in maybe 3-4 months (as there's no hurry..)
I found a Toploader that has a Close-ratio with 28 spline... I know nothing about if this will work or not...different length tail-shafts? Can anyone help? What else will I need to look for in the pick-n-pull yard?
Thanks, BULLIT

[tnlprt]

There should be a tag on the pass side of trans
Held on by a rivit
right next to where the trans and bellhousing mate together
also what are the main case and tailshaft numbers

[Bullit]

I found a "truck Toploader"? and the guy called me back....I gotta try reaching him again this afternoon... he said this one was in a truck behind a 390 and has been re-built and taking space in his garage and just wants to sell it... Is there a difference in a "truck" version? Will the bellhousing from a 429/460 adapt? So MANY questions...

[forrestbump]

There is a MAJOR difference between a "Car" toploader transmission, which is a performance transmission, and a truck 4 speed which is a heavy duty workhorse transmission. Doe this transmission you're referring to look like this? http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/NP435-02.jpg ...if so, it's a heavy duty truck transmission.

This is what a car toploader transmission looks like for comparisons sake http://www.tbtrans.com/ford_toploader_4_speed_trans.htm I'm NOT endorsing this company, they simply came up in a google search.

The first illustration listed is of a New Process 435 and a Warner Gear T18 is similar in appearance. Both transmissions are the truck type and, again, are very different than a car toploader transmission.

It'll depend on what your desired goals are for your truck as to which transmission to use. Performance? The car toploader would be my choice, but they are pricey!

As to bell housings for your 385 series motor, Sorry, I don't have any experience to guide you there...I'm sure others here will chime in on their recommendations.

[michael69]

The FE bellhousing's bolt pattern is different than the 385 series 429/460 they don't interchange.

[67mann]

a good place to start.......http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/
Email or call dave.....he should be able to help