5 speed swap?

[Joeyod]

Good morning, first post...
I may have the opportunity to purchase a ‘66 Bronco, mostly stock,un-cut. My concern is drivability with the 4.65 rear axel and 3 speed. It has been suggested I could have a 5 speed transmission swapped in.

Would this type of modification increase the value by making it more driver friendly and maintain the low end torque or decrease the value by changing from the stock 3 speed column shifter and losing it’s originality?

I’m interested in what the “Bronco community” thinks.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and insights.

 

[Millercorey]

Depends on what’s already been done to it. If it’s in a very original condition, then yes it will probably decrease the value overall. If there’s already been some changes, then go with the 5 speed. Also, stop worrying about resale value and just build the damn thing for how you want it. Value is also very subjective. I wouldnt say your truck is now worth less, but you would change the potential list of buyers.

If you’re not a flipper then who gives a shit. If you’re a flipper then please leave

 

[Joeyod]

Not looking to flip this ‘66 at all,
...just don’t want to make a mistake in judgement that I should have considered...

 

[blubuckaroo]

If yours is a clean uncut, an easier, cheaper, and less invasive route would be to keep the tranny and offer the axles for a trade to someone wanting to swap out their 3.50 gears.
That would be a win-win.

 

[Millercorey]

I don’t have any of the links handy, but there’s several calculators floating around this site where you can plug in gear ratio, tire size, etc to determine what’s acceptable for you. Find the sweet spot rpm for your engine and see what your current setup gives you at the speeds you’ll normally be driving.

I have a 71 that already had a lot of changes made, so 5 speed swap is one of the first things I did. I haven’t heard anyone say they were disappointed after, but it isn’t cheap. I’d account for $2,500 on the swap.

 

[bigmuddy]

my comment from the chat section with the same question%)

I find the ZF to shift like a 3/4ton truck but actually fine around town and love the overdrive on the highway. It however doesn't shift anything like the NP435 in my opinion. The 3550 and M50DR2 are sporty but are much weaker than the ZF or NV4500 though, all are OK but it depends on what you are after.

By the way, the Jeep ax15 I know little about it.

 

[CowboyGrin]

If you’re not a flipper then who gives a shit. If you’re a flipper then please leave

Not looking to flip this ‘66 at all,
...just don’t want to make a mistake in judgement that I should have considered...

This made me LOL, but it’s the truth. It’s yours and make it what you want. The next owner is free to do the same. Parts are parts, but it’s your Bronco.

 

[MS73HD302]

Regear is my vote. I love people’s reactions to the column shift just fits the truck perfectly

 

[Rustytruck]

Has to do with what tire size and also are you using a modern 300 HP motor. it all has to work together to keep peak torque band in the right place at the right time. if you planning to make it more comfortable to drive put an automatic in it.

 

[EPB72]

Curious is it a 6cyl or 289??

 

[Joeyod]

Guess I missed a detail... 6cyl. Replacement 200, 4.56 rear, 30” tires. 3speed column.

 

[nvrstuk]

6 cyl, 3spds have in general the least resale because unless they are 100% stock, the 6 cyl is what most would say is the largest drawback to a DD. The 3 spd is next.

Here's a couple reasons why:

6 cyl has about 90 hp and is trying to move 4,000#'s. TOUGH to do by today's standards. Push on the skinny pedal and nothing really happens... like 0-70 in 25 seconds-seriously! The 3 spd accentuates this lack of performance because the gear splits are SO FAR APART. A late model trans like the M5OD, AX or similar is the way to go because it helps the lowly 6 banger stay in it's torque range a bit better and help you accelerate better. Still going to wish you had more power, you are going to like about HALF the noise at cruising speed on the highway because the 6 cyl is WOUND up at high rpm at 65mph but if you are on level ground the OD will cut the noise because of the gearing.

This is from experience while talking to a bunch of friends who had/have the 6 banger. FUN, kinda cute but extremely underpowered if you live in a suburban environment. Every guy I know who daily drives in suburbia says the 6 banger is underpowered to stay with traffic.

 

[rguest3]

Since the Bronco is a 66 and mostly stock I would keep it that way.

If this truck will be a weekend driver and not much traffic, then all good. If wanting more power (V8 Swap) and driving daily, then I would pass and find another Bronco that is better suited for your use

 

[nvrstuk]

I forgot to add that the heart of the beast is already not stock being the 200. Make it fun to drive or you won't want to drive it.