Learn How To Rebuild a Ford Toploader 4 Speed - Part 1

How to rebuild a Ford Toploader 4 speed part 1 shows basic disassembly of this transmission. The Toploader was mainly used in Ford and Mercury models such as Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Torino, Cougar, Comet, Cyclone, Galaxy, and Ranchero. A very strong and well engineered transmission.
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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between GearBoxVideo (Paul Cangialosi) and you. Every situation may be different, and GearBoxVideo does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. GearBoxVideo and any sponsors or manufacturers of parts that may appear in this video or any of the channel's content will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@ChevelleMike71]

I was recently thinking to myself that it had been too long since I’d rebuilt a Toploader. The universe must have been listening because one customer brought three of them to be gone through.

[@matthewmoilanen787]

I'm a 63 yr old Senior Master ASE and don't think I've rebuilt 10 of them in my life. Even with all my Chev racing buddies using them because they keep blowing up Muncies. This is dirt oval use primarily.

[@bengesell]

One of the only few videos left online that actually is helpful. Thank. You.

[@goldysgarage189]

Paul is the king of manual transmission rebuilds. Thanks Paul, us Ford guys appreciate it.

[@timmiller260]

Paul watched you utube stuff and need 4 speed top loader 1970 mustang it completely oem something that you need to go mqn i cant wait

[@taylorsutherland6973]

I've rebuilt 2 toploaders thanks the Paul's videos on the Jeep T176 version. Now a real toploader video. They seem to one of the strongest early transmissions, but way outdone nowadays. Got Tremec off the ground building toploadres after ford sold them the design.

[@kevinharms7578]

Thank you Sir for posting, always good useful info. Looking forward to upcoming Toploader videos.

[@canikeiko]

Thanks a lot for sharing all your tech knowledge, your videos are amazing. i can't wait for the assembly. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@josephtravers777]

Thanks, Paul! I've never seen a 5-bolt Toploader case. Very early.

[@gregrowley4983]

Ihave a Henry J with a 351w and the 3+1 toploader, if this combo was considered strong enough for the 77 econoline van I would think it would be fine for the Henry J. What are your thoughts .

[@GearBoxVideo]

The 3+1 was made for normal driving. So if younplan on power shifts and burn outs ....no

[@HowardKellogg-s4e]

Towing the vehicle, without removing the drive shaft, can melt down the main shaft.

[@LetGaiaLive]

Outstanding video! I have your book, but this just makes it so much easier to understand, and familiarise myself with all the parts. Can’t wait to see the rest of the series.

[@danielbuck]

I'll sometimes use a decent sized shot bag (like for pounding sheet metal against) to put under something that doesn't have a very flat bottom to keep it from rolling, the object pushes into the bag and the shot bag conforms to it and holds it.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Good idea

[@sigolamajor634]

U are wonderful sir. Um really benefiting from your videos::: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

[@MrJak427]

Love to see more top loader stuff and your opinions of it weak points good points etc etc

[@unclequack5445]

Hey Paul I really like seeing these old gear boxes Thanks man.

[@aroundlinemen]

Great videos , how can I get your book s , thanks 🇺🇸

[@GearBoxVideo]

Read the video description

[@RobertKohut]

NIce!! Keep 'em coming... 🙂

[@goldysgarage189]

Paul - when you tested the bearing you mentioned it was bad - how could you tell? Also, without a press is there any way to install new bearings or do you need to have them pressed on. One last thing - what is your source for top loader rebuild parts - DK?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Visually you can see the pits . I show this in my upcoming video

[@DanDeppen]

Hey Vince, What is the secret to the 4 spd overdrive version of the toploader to remove the input shaft ... the counter gears after dropping them do not allow for enough clearance to pull or install. There is however, a few teeth on the 4th gear that might allow for some clearance, but that does not seem to work either. In the video, the input shaft pulls right out, but not so for the 4 spd over drive. I have worked on two of these transmissions and always the same problem ... any help? Dan

[@GearBoxVideo]

Ive removed the rear bearing, and try to get some of the thrust washers out.

[@DougBulmer]

Well done video. I have a 1964 toploader 4 speed and can't get the slip yoke all the way in. After inspection, about half of the length of the splines in the slip yoke have a slight twist. Tried a brand new slip yoke but it won't fully engage either. Is it possible the splines of the output shaft could also be twisted or is there something else that would prevent the slip yoke from fully engaging?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Yes both output and yoke can twist

[@ripdunlap3221]

Paul, have you or will you do a video on BW T10 for a Mustang i have a 66 Mustang. Thanks, great videos.

[@GearBoxVideo]

The mustang T10 is the same as a GM T10. They all come apart the same

[@jcnpresser]

The little foam ear plugs are good for stuffing holes to keep stuff from falling out.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Great idea. At times Ive used paper towels. I will have to try that

[@DJ-yp4kc]

i remember working on my 4 speed converted it to go into an early Bronco...I made a bunch of tools to disassemble/assemble it.. Dummy Shaft for the Cluster Gear etc.. worked well when back together.

[@karimismail1007]

Thanx sir for giving out wonderful knowledge to mechanics GODbless you.

[@SlowInFastOut1776]

Great stuff Paul! Learned about this video & your book from the Vintage Mustang Forum - appreciate the great instruction & will be buying your book. I've never restored this era vehicle - currently documenting my '66 Fastback build on my channel. Folks with the expertise and experience like yourself are indispensable!

[@rdemelio2]

I have a RUG D2 that I am going to rebuild because no one in my area does this type of work anymore. Your Vido was great , and I am ordering your book. Thanks

[@kerryperkins2989]

Cheers Paul! I have a 3 speed close ratio out of my Cougar that I want to freshen up and was wondering where to start. It is in good nick as my old man used to baby it and it has been sitting for nearly 40 years, I'm really looking forward to starting work on it. Thanks again. From 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@DougHanchard]

Happy New Year Paul! Looking forward to this series. I haven't overhauled a Ford Toploader since the early 90s. It's sad that parts and cases are becoming scarce. They were really good road course transmissions when I used to run them behind a 500 HP engine. Keep up the great work!

[@joe-hp4nk]

Of all the 4 speed transmissions you work on, which is the toughest?

[@GearBoxVideo]

None really

[@joe-hp4nk]

@@GearBoxVideo Hmm, of all the transmissions you don't work on, which is the toughest?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Again.. nothing. Its really all the same for me. But if you want to think of more labor intensive... There are some that require more labor than others . Too many to really make a comparison. Some require more technique or proper tools.

[@joe-hp4nk]

@@GearBoxVideo Hmm, well out of the box I would have to say the ford top loader. Not so much from experience but from hear say and articles I've read. All the best.

[@66XL]

@@joe-hp4nk for sure as far as a stock trans hard to beat the toploader

[@jesperlowinger]

Thanks for all this knowledge Paul! Im 24yo from sweden and learning alot. Keep it up!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for the very informative video. Wish this was out years ago when I had my top loader out of my car when rebuilding the car. Anyway. Thank you again

[@larryheilman7597]

Thanks!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you very much for your support!

[@marklacombe3802]

For Chevy guys a McLeod bell housing so you can run a toploader because a Muncie or super T-10 won't hold up.

[@timmiller260]

I have the trans i need to look it over to put back in the car is 70 muck 1 4sp and transmission was in shop under towels it got there in 75 i got it looks good the guy was thinking about 67 350 car swap it thinking it was good thinking glad he stopped.

[@chito4]

Thanks for making this! I have a 4 speed toploader sitting on the bench, this is the encouragement I need to start rebuilding it. Look forward to the rest of this series

[@NH1969GOAT]

Thanks Paul, been waiting for this!!

[@shaunedwards2991]

Hey Paul. Love the video, do you offer hands on classes or in person training?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Do you have a school?

[@shaunedwards2991]

No, I just am interested in learning how to rebuild my toploader and I prefer hands on and i figured I would ask.@@GearBoxVideo

[@GearBoxVideo]

I just do the videos to teach people to learn but you are free to ask questions

[@66XL]

paul.. not many around bunch come in to me lots of fords getting restored

[@braddocksgarage]

YES! The video I was looking for. Before Part 1 was even finished I bought your book (diff website bc yours is sold out), subscribed to the channel, followed you on IG and FB, "Liked" and now I'm commenting. This has given me more insight into toploaders than ever before. I feel I could tackle this job now. Thank You!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Goad it helped!

[@georgedreisch2662]

Great content and video. It’s been a few decades since I touched a top loader, and never understood why the FoMoCo crowd was so enamored with them. Guess it was about choices / options. Any experience with NV 4500? Thanks for sharing.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Its a great transmission. I havent built any NV stuff in years so I cannot give you an opinion

[@vincem9468]

Great video! Thanks from all the young diyers that can’t afford a goodtrans/ rebuild. What company do you recommend for parts likes gears, input shafts etc?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Me... read my video description

[@BessieMorrison]

Given there was a input shaft needle bearing in the bottom of the case before you separated the input/main shaft, could it be when this was previously put together he have dropped the needlebearings before engaging the main shaft, hence creating uneven tolerance between the input/main. And then resulted in the lockup because of un-even distribution of force on the gears/shaft.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Not the issue. Youll see in the upcoming vids

[@vdog4799]

I have a 1966 F-100 pick up and am learning about mechanics now. Would that be old enough to have this transmission?

[@GearBoxVideo]

It wouldn't have one

[@__--JY-Moe--__]

wow! I bet the whole thing is untempered now! fun....

[@staljans]

ABOUT TIME, lol 👍, what a coincidence, I been waiting for a great video on this. i have a 65-71 toploader apart, been sitting apart in garage for 20 years, some surface rust, and only main issue some broken teeth from the front of main shaft, and I have been watching tons of videos , yet no one has provided a really good step by step instructions of assembly, issues, fixes, or explanations, so to say i am excited is an understatement I can hardly wait for part 2, 3 and 4 , and if need be 5. . also a questions for you, sir. If some teeth from the main shaft are broken, possibly from trying to remove the C clip snap ring that holds the 3 -4th synchro gear on, is this detrimental or can it still be used on a non hipo car, jut for basic easy driving, a cheep fix, till i can find another good top loader to replace it? its missing 4 or so teeth at one end , and possibly 6 or so on the other end . and 3 or so teeth in between . Yah i know, buy a proper snap ring remover, doh! P.S. watched many of your videos, never once have i been disappointed. another great detailed video. thank you.5 out of 5 stars

[@GearBoxVideo]

Any gears missing teeth have t be replaced. Thanks for watching

[@dane9175]

I wish you were around when I did my first top loader I was 15 I am now 65. Three tries and I finally got it right. The parts counter guy set me up pretty well for parts. All I had to do let's get the parts in the right places. It only took me a week😎

[@Dogleg1957]

Wow my exact story for me. Lucky for me my parts guy at Ford was a high-school friend. Those detent pins where a nightmare for me

[@ericlee4411]

Can you not just pull the input shaft out the front with everything still assembled to then press out and replace input shaft bearing? You mentioned there’s needle bearings. But is it impossible to load bearing seat with grease and put needle bearings back and reassemble input assembly?

[@GearBoxVideo]

You cannot. The countergear is in the way

[@sharg0]

Wish the jokers of manufacturing that thinks removing dipsticks are a good idea would hear that "check yer oil levels" ... And don't get me started on that oil has an indefinite life span. /rant over

[@e-curb]

IMO a dipstick is worthless and just creates another place to leak from. Unlike an engine, transmissions don't consume oil when they get older. As long as there's no puddle of oil under your car where you park, the level will always be correct. Besides, you should be changing your gear oil every couple of years anyway.

[@سفيانالداوي]

Your content is great, but why don't you provide the advantage of translation into Arabic? I have been following your meetings for a while in order to learn

[@GearBoxVideo]

Because I am not Arabic. I dont know how to translate it.

[@masek12rs]

Happy Blessed New Year's sir!

[@dewiz9596]

Glad to see you’re back!

[@derekderexson248]

Great video again Paul, I kept my eyes peeled at PRI, but didnt get to meet you. Did you have a booth? if not you should.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Paying 20K to buy a booth makes no sense at any of these shows. I did announce what booths I was at and times . Pri show I was at the Roltek booth

[@mikeward2922]

at 15:20 when you say you "want to make sure the gear isn't hitting the lower gear", can you elaborate on what exactly that means? In the case, is it about the gaps between gears and the hammering will close that gap, or is it that when the bearing pops free, that the gear assembly comes crashing down together in the case? I want to be sure I don't gouge some important bits.

[@GearBoxVideo]

When assembling or disassembling the transmission you just don't want to bang the gears against one another

[@BobKlaricich]

Great Work very interesting

[@kresimirmilisa5560]

very good presented video watch your videos on your channel from croatia.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@glenrude2218]

Great start. I’ve got a functioning top loader in my 66 mustang and am getting some grinding going into 2nd. So I guess it’s time to open it up.

[@GearBoxVideo]

You can do it!

[@TargaWheels]

Unless the owner was doing a restoration, maybe he should have went to a T5 or something better?

[@GearBoxVideo]

T5 is much weaker than a Toploader. However its a restoration. If you want a comparible 5 speed you would use a TKX by Tremec.

[@bassettraceengines]

Thanks for sharing !!!

[@drewrenewed]

Looking forward to part 2 on this.... Enjoy those coffees

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks a bunch!

[@richannmcmaster8577]

How can i buy one of your rebuild kits and your book?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you, you can go to my website using the links in the video description and purchase them online.

[@AmortuisGarage]

Paul thank you for all the great info. I have a problem with a toploader Im getting ready to install. I noticed 3rd and 4th gear are hard to engage. It is also hard to find neutral from 3rd and 4th. What could cause this issue?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Sounds like a shifter or detent issue

[@AmortuisGarage]

@@GearBoxVideo I was just watching your part 3 where it talks about detents and rails. I disconnected my shifter linkage and still having trouble so Ill start with the detents. Thank you for your quick reply

[@jeepjoe4]

Hey Paul I have a 66 mustang and got ripped off from a guy and long story short I now have a ford 3+1 from a 77-78 time frame. My question is can I do anything with any parts of this transmission or should I just scrap it? Oh it would be going behind a built 289 roughly 400hp and 380tq

[@GearBoxVideo]

Not worth it. Some people do what the overdrives for lighter duty applications

[@jeepjoe4]

@@GearBoxVideo thank you for the reply. Also what would be considered a lighter duty for example. Less than 300 or less than 200 TQ?

[@GearBoxVideo]

All you have to do is look up the ratings of what the transmission came out of . Its an OD unit so the ratio drops are not meant for performance. Meaning its not about the numbers it is how the unit was designed to be used

[@pm270100]

ya coffee

[@jimkyrgias6181]

Great video Paul, was wondering when you will do a top loader video, I use a telescopic magnet to remove and reinstall the detents, helps with them not flying around everywhere. Cheees

[@GearBoxVideo]

Never found one that worked well.

[@jimkyrgias6181]

@@GearBoxVideo correct you need to find one that is the right diameter. I enjoy watching your videos, we met a few years back at PRI, how about I have one with me next time I’m at PRI 😀😀

[@qykryd]

Great video! Just bought a date specific one for my Fastback to get rid of the auto, also looking at doing my friends T10 that he is having trouble with. Hanging out for the next video

[@vintagemxhoarder4724]

At 11:30 minutes I can’t get the rail out. It won’t move at all.

[@GearBoxVideo]

remove the detent. If the rail won't move that meand the box couldnt shift into 3rd or 4th. If it did, then the rail moves

[@vintagemxhoarder4724]

I screwed up and pulled the springs out but not all the detents. I removed the springs but some how pulled it out of third and it became a bigger mess. I ended up just having it to an old school professional brought it back to life! Lol It’s an RUG-AJ.

[@DrumSouls1]

Where are you located

[@GearBoxVideo]

Florida, info is in video description

[@ponga782]

Great videos! I was watching your 4+3 video, but I didn't see a 2nd video.. Is there one?.

[@GearBoxVideo]

No 2nd part

[@ponga782]

That's a bummer.. I picked up one of those a few years ago trans and all and was thinking of retrofitting it in a 56 Belair project. Not sure it's worth foolin with.. it would be worth having a conversation with someone who knows about those units...

[@GearBoxVideo]

There will be a second part just need to get another unit in

[@ponga782]

That's great to hear.. I'll definately looking forward to that.. keep up the videos!

[@dannylee9138]

Awesome video just can't wait to see the next video

[@dannylee9138]

Can a muncie 3 speed be built to handle 600 hp 1/8th mile drag racing 🤔

[@GearBoxVideo]

No

[@danielesilvaggi]

Weeeell I'm not a Ford guy but since it's you making the video Paul it is guying to have to be good. Sooo I am going to watch it just in case I will have to rebuild one LOL. Thank you for this series of videos and Happy New Year to you and yours. Great video, it's hard to believe how 4 speed designs differ so much.

[@GearBoxVideo]

I appreciate that

[@frasercocks]

Do you buy transmission parts directly from Ford or elsewhere?

[@GearBoxVideo]

My company is a durect dealer and manufacturer of parts

[@ufartface]

do you do mt82s?

[@GearBoxVideo]

Sorry I dont