Transmission swap

[Cameron Gray]

Hello all,

I am considering a transmission swap for my 74 uncut 3 on the tree weekend cruiser. I'm considering either moving to an automatic (would prefer column shift for that option) or a 5 speed manual (obviously would be a floor shift). I'm just looking to bump up my driving enjoyment as I age - I don't love the column shift manual and stock 3 speed as much these days. The ride has a re-built 302 with a mild bump up in power, power brakes (disc up front) and manual steering. I will not be doing the work myself.

Thoughts or suggestions on the idea generally and whether one option is better (hassle, results, etc.) than the other?

Thanks in advance,

 

[BOBS 2 68S]

I am running a AX-15 and really enjoy it. My .02 cents

 

[Cameron Gray]

I guess my question did sound like "what do you guys like best?" Not a helpful question, really.

My real question is the hassle of swapping to one or the other. Anyone with information on that?

Thanks again.

 

[Timmy390]

If you go to a 5 speed (auto or manual) you will need to consider tire size and gearing for the OD to be functional.

If your stock and want to go auto, a C4 would be your best bet

Tim

 

[thegreatjustino]

My real question is the hassle of swapping to one or the other.

Easier to swap manual to manual in my opinion. Although if you swap in a manual that requires a hydraulic clutch, it probably ends up being a wash with swapping in an automatic.

 

[SteveL]

I would think the easiest swap would be a c-4 out of an early bronco. Any else you're getting into needing adapters, possibly needing to fab a new crossmember and changing driveshafts

 

[rguest3]

Hello all,

I am considering a transmission swap for my 74 uncut 3 on the tree weekend cruiser. I'm considering either moving to an automatic (would prefer column shift for that option) or a 5 speed manual (obviously would be a floor shift). I'm just looking to bump up my driving enjoyment as I age - I don't love the column shift manual and stock 3 speed as much these days. The ride has a re-built 302 with a mild bump up in power, power brakes (disc up front) and manual steering. I will not be doing the work myself.

Thoughts or suggestions on the idea generally and whether one option is better (hassle, results, etc.) than the other?

Thanks in advance,

I guess one question is, How will you be using your Bronco? Is it ever on the highway? If not, then I would take any overdrive transmission off the list.

If you want to stay with a manual transmission, the AX-15 is a great transmission. (A 1" body lift is recommended to help clear and does not require a Hydraulic clutch) It has overdrive obviously.

Next question is, Do you still want to push a clutch?

A C4 and transfer case together from an Early Bronco is the easiest to swap. Other than the transmission and transfer Case (Add an early Mustang floor shifter), not much else Needs to be done.

 

[gnpenning]

Trans cooler.

 

[BOBS 2 68S]

OK.
So the AX-15 swap was easy for me.
Problem was "well I have it apart so let fix this, and this, and this..."

 

[bmbm]

Swapping from stock 3 speed to nv3550 was not that difficult as I recall, just for bolting on the adapter, trans etc. I can see where the associated items related to the as stated axle ratios etc would be the hassle in my view. But the improvement in the driving experience was worth the effort.

 

[morehice]

I've got a bronco with a c4 and one with an nv3550. I swapped both from 3 speed. Both are fun. The C4 is definitely more friendly for my wife, grand kids, and daughters to drive. It's also more old school "stock" - just made my '68 more like a '72.

With the C4, you can keep everything pretty much the same: stock gear ratios, tire size, body lift, hole in the floor, etc. You just need a stock c4 trans, transfer case adapter, steering column, and delete the clutch pedal. Should be reasonably easy to find, since people "upgrade" from C4 setups. On mine, I did go with 32" tires since it already had flares. It's totally fun on pavement and most all forest service / BLM roads.

With the NV3550 or AX-15, you need a 1" body lift and it probably makes sense to go to 4:11 gears to leverage the overdrive, and maybe larger tires, and... etc. The swap was pretty straightforward, but probably makes more sense as part of a complete vehicle overhaul. But, you do get to shift it into 2nd and pretend you're chugging along in a tractor ;-)

The other family friendly mods I did with the C4 are power steering and brakes - just the basic Tom's kits. And LED headlight (Holley Retrobright) and tail lights. My 68 year old wife loves it!

 

[joshua]

I have a similar dilemma. I have an ax15 sitting on shelf that a picked up for 200 Now I just found a zf5 for 300

Bronco already has a body lift. I’m thinking the zf might be easier and cheaper to install. But still gathering info on what to do.

 

[joshua]

Not much help sorry. Haha