dennis111

My name is Brian, I have a 60k mile 1973 CobraJet Ranchero that was originally a 4 speed car (still has clutch pedal) converted to a C4. After searching for a year, I have found the correct RUG BG2 toploader, correct hurst shifter, bellhousing, z-bar etc. almost all of pieces I need to make it a 4-speed machine again. As you seem to be one of the most experienced people around here concerning Toploaders I was hoping I could ask you a question. What is confusing me, is the clutch release rod pivot and the clutch adjustment itself. According to my 73 chassis manual, mine should be a long, non-threaded clutch pivot on the lower z-bar arm, I can't find one, but I a short threaded one that I can either drill out and thread for the clutch rod I have, drill out larger to be unthreaded for the rod I have or find a clutch rod that fits it or something else altogether. My question: as a guy that has lots of toploader experience, how do YOU recommend doing the lower pivot/clutch adjustment?

n/m

Your Welcome Tom!

Hi Dennis, THANKS a BUNCH for your informative reply to my speedo quuestion!
Kind Regards, TOM

Hey Monty, Yes and no.

That is a late 70's 3 speed with overdrive toploader. They are not as covenanted nor as valuable as a 65-73 true 4 speed toploader. They are are also not as strong either as the OD gear is quite tiny. Not all the parts are still available and must be sourced used-whereas everything for the classic toploader is pretty much 100% reproduced. If OD is what you wanted, then $350 is certainly as high as one should go. They can be gotten cheaper.

There a a couple of little issues with installing them (no true aftermarket shifter available, for one) and I can help ID some others if you are still interested. Also they do not have the bolt pattern to bolt to the early 5 bolt block's bellhousing.

Google "toploader imposters" and you will see the difference with the regular toploaders, especially check out the David Kee site.

Good Luck! Dennis

Hey is this tranny worth the money?

Ford Top Loader 4-Spd Trans

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Dennis, I saw your post about the Toploader your doing. Was really impressed. Was wondering what mods would you recommend for a toploader that keeps the syncros? Was thinking of going to liberty for their rem and cryo processes. David Kee know makes billet forks. What else would you recommend?
Mike
mdegig1777@aol.com

Im in the middle of doing your big block input shaft conversion, great article by the way! What's the chance I could get you to make me a modified clutch fork? It's for a 64 falcon b/fx car.

Thank you
Mike
Fiveoh108@sbcglobal.net