Transmission ideas, 4x4 F100 with tranny mounted transfer case

[My427stang]

Looking for ideas.  My current NP435 and single speed tranny-mounted transfer case doesn't really support a hot FE.  Second through 4th gear ratios are almost a 50% drop from one gear to the next, compared with closer to 30% for a TKO-600, plus no syncros in 1st, relatively long throws, and no OD doesn't help a lot.

My first idea is to go 4.56-4.88 gears and a TKO-600, but its expensive and requires a very tough to find mid shifter and I'd have to have a custom made transfer case adapter and drive gear on top of the TKO buy to mate it to the Dana transfer case
 
So I was wondering what else is out there for decent 5 or 6 speed transmissions and if anyone knows of some with the front driveshaft on the drivers side as well as a separate bellhousing?

Ideas?  In the end a TKO may be the easiest to adapt, but if I am missing a good option I'd go with a used tranny, maybe out of a later truck

[Bolted to Floor]

What about the NV4500? I don't know about the drive shaft, but it has a separate bell housing. It looks like the old Borg-Warner T-18 I used to have.

[My427stang]

Thanks, I am looking at the NV4500, not cheap either but very strong, what I need to figure out is if they have a drivers side output transfer case on any model.

Another option that came up over a few drinks last night was a TKO-600 and then add a divorced transfer case from an F250.  Although it doesn't find me the oddball shifter for the TKO, it does save some fabrication cost over adapting the tranny to the bolt on transfer case

Anyone know how the NV4500s shift? 

[Ford428CJ]

Hey Ross... How about a ZF 5 or a ZF 6 tranny!? Check this out!

http://www.high-impact.net/transmission_and_gear/zf_5%266spd.htm

[turbohunter]

I feel your pain/frustration on this Ross. Not being able to rip a fast shift and have the correct gear is a problem with a hot engine. I have to keep telling myself "it's a truck". But yes the 435 is a bit of a pain.
I went through all the different ways to do things and ended up using the 435 with an NP 205 (dual stick) and will be putting a GV in line in the near future. Though I'll have to have a long talk with GVenders as my brother just lunched one in a non turbo diesel.
Will be very interested in what you come up with. A ZF sounds like it would be great if everything will work out.
Good luck.

[My427stang]

Thanks guys!

I am not sure the ZF, or any truck tranny will really meet my goals, in the end I think I am going to have to buy a TKO and either hang a divorced transfer case off a crossmember or build an adapter.

I really want to see this truck with a close (closer) ratio transmission and some steep gears.  Hopefully I can find the front shifter, the word is Fortes carry them, if they don't the project is a bit tougher

[bn69stang]

The divorced transfer case would be stronger anyway , but have you considered a c-6 and a gear vender or a 4r100 out of a 99 - 04 super duty , roush racing rotates them 6 degrees and welds on them and re drills the holes and uses them on f e  s  , .. Bud

[bn69stang]

Oh and the np 4500 would have a driver side t case , if out of a ford  .. Bud

[plovett]

Not trying to be funny, but a built C6 and a used Gearvendors overdrive would be ideal for your truck. I'm assuming you don't want an automatic, which I totally get.  I like shifting for myself also........but if you were just looking for the best tranny.....maybe.......maybe not. 

Still, with the Gearvendor's ability to split gears and the advantages of a torque converter it seems a match made in heaven.

Just a thought,

paulie

[Ford428CJ]

I feel your pain/frustration on this Ross. Not being able to rip a fast shift and have the correct gear is a problem with a hot engine. I have to keep telling myself "it's a truck". But yes the 435 is a bit of a pain.

  I wouldnt say that now... I figured out a way to grab some gears with my 435. Lot of people thought I had a automatic in it! When I told them, they where shocked. Those 435's are tough. No doubt but I'm a 6'4" guy. Those long arms come in handy. LOL

[Ford428CJ]

Another option would be a Big Shaft Top loader too, Ross. That would be cool! 

[turbohunter]

I feel your pain/frustration on this Ross. Not being able to rip a fast shift and have the correct gear is a problem with a hot engine. I have to keep telling myself "it's a truck". But yes the 435 is a bit of a pain.

  I wouldnt say that now... I figured out a way to grab some gears with my 435. Lot of people thought I had a automatic in it! When I told them, they where shocked. Those 435's are tough. No doubt but I'm a 6'4" guy. Those long arms come in handy. LOL

Hah, I'm 6'4" also.
Not saying it can't be shifted. In my old truck with a well worn in 435 I could shift it pretty darn quick.
Although automatic quick may be a stretch. For me at least.
My new one is fresh so very, uh, gatey , if you ketch my drift.
That being said I know exactly where Ross is coming from in having a real nice engine in a truck.
You start to want it all. Four gears on the street that are spaced nicely for getting with it, instead of three.
No dought about it the 435 is a great tranny. But it is a truck tranny.
Which is where I left it in my search for the perfect vehicle, it's a truck.
Just have to have a bunch of other stuff to make yourself happy

[turbohunter]

Hey Ross have you ever seen this conversion.
This is the toploader out of my '66 Mustang. I gave it to my dad for a hot rod build and he converted it to a top stick with Jeep parts.
There may even be a kit out there somewhere.
So taking Wes' idea for a big toploader and doing a Jeep conversion may get you where you want to go.
And I'll bet ya "dollars for donuts" that there's a way to build an adapter that would marry an NP 205 to it with a shorter output shaft(?).
Just thinkin' out loud.

[My427stang]

Wow, that's pretty cool

BTW quicker shifts are less important than proper gear spacing for me too.  I run a shortened shifter on a top cover from an old 330 Lousiville truck, its got a higher pivot point.  It doesn't shift like a car, but it's really the gear ratio spread that I don't like more than the tranny itself