Ford Toploader transmission
| Toploader Transmission | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Type | 3 or 4-speed manual |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Ford Design 4-Speed 3.03 Top Loader |
| Production | 1964–1973 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
Borg-Warner T-10 Dagenham 4-speed |
A Toploader transmission is a manually shifted three and four speed gearbox introduced in 1963 by the Ford Motor Company to replace the BorgWarner T-10. It was used in most Fords and Mercurys from 1964 until 1973 as well as some foreign models. Officially designated the 3.03 three speed or Ford design four speed. The 3.03 is the centerline distance between counter shaft and mainshaft. The Toploader got its name from the fact that the access plate to the inner workings was located on the top of the main case as opposed to the side, a convention used on most gearboxes such as the Ford Dagenham or GM's Saginaw or Muncie. This feature increased the rigidity of the case significantly. Distinguishing the three speed from the four is as simple as counting the fasteners on the top plate. The four speed has ten; the three, nine. Both the three and four speed top loader gearboxes were designed to function in constant mesh, due to synchronizer sleeves being used instead of sliding gears, and be fully synchronized, with the exception of reverse. Forward gears are helical-type while reverse gear including the exterior of the first and second synchronizers sleeve are spur-type gears. This transmission is also known as the Tremec T-170, HEH, or RUG depending on the year(s) of production. At some point in the early 70's production was moved to Mexico and the name was changed to Tremec.
Renowned for high-performance indestructibility, the Toploader, particularly the four speed, was equipped in such sought after "A-list" cars as the Mustang, Talladega, AC Cobra, AC Frua and Sunbeam Tiger as well as the Ford Fairlane, Falcon, Galaxie, Ranchero, Torino, Bronco and the Mercury Comet, Caliente, Cyclone, and Marauder. Overall the Toploader was used in 133 different models and was used extensively in racing as well. The 3 speed 3.03 was also the heavy duty transmission in 60's Olds, Buick and Pontiac cars, with FOMOCO cast into the right side. Chevy pickups used this same transmission in the 76 -82 Chevy & GMC pickups, vans and Suburbans. It is the Jeep T150 with a cast top cover with a cane (floor) shifter.
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