Tech article by Jon Hanna (Admin)
| Manual Trans Intro See also: Automatics |
|
| Transmission: | |
| T-18 (Borg Warner) 4 speed manual | |
| Sources: | |
| 1965-1985 Ford pick ups with a 28 spline output shaft. Jeep and Scouts also came with T-18's but the Ford version is more typical for the Bronco swap. | |
| Identification: | |
| The T-18 has a one piece removable cover with a top shifter and looks very similar to the NP-435, however the cover is cast iron, not aluminum. Look for the bottom of the transmission case to taper up toward the rear. On the Ford T-18 the PTO cover plate will be on the passenger's side. On Jeep and IH it's on the driver's side. | |
| Adapter required? | |
| The T-18 requires an adapter between the transmission and transfer case, replacing your 8 cylinder intermediate housing. | |
| Pros: | |
| Similar advantages to the NP-435 swap, although first gear isn't quite as low. | |
| Cons: | |
| Similar disadvantages to the NP-435. In addition the T-18 may also require a new drive shaft. | |
| Cost: (Approximate) | |
| Transmission: $400 used and $800 rebuilt Adapter: $350-500 | |
| Bell housing: | |
| Standard Ford. The T18 will bolt up to your existing bell housing on small block (289-302-351) engines. The existing Bronco clutch is also used. | |
| Modifications needed: | |
| The entire assembly is 1" longer than stock, which may require a new drive shaft depending on the amount of lift. Other modifications are similar to the NP435. |
| Manual Transmission Gear Ratios | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Bronco 3 spd (6 cyl) | 3.41 | 1.86 | 1.00 | ||
| Bronco 3 spd (8 cyl) | 2.99 | 1.75 | 1.00 | ||
| NP 435 | 6.69 | 3.34 | 1.79 | 1.00 | |
| T-18 | 6.32 | 3.09 | 1.69 | 1.00 | |
| Toploader (Close ratio) | 2.32 | 1.69 | 1.29 | 1.00 | |
| Toploader (Wide ratio) | 2.78 | 1.93 | 1.35 | 1.00 | |
| Toploader (Overdrive) | 3.29 | 1.84 | 1.00 | 0.81 | |
| ZF | 5.72 | 2.94 | 1.61 | 1.00 | 0.76 |
| NV4500 (Dodge) | 5.61 | 3.04 | 1.67 | 1.00 | 0.73 |
| NV3550 | 4.01 | 2.32 | 1.40 | 1.00 | 0.78 |
