Hello I have a couple of questions regarding a transmisson swap I would like to perform. The chasis is a 1978 ford LTD II. The engine is a 302 out of a 1970 mustang. The reason for doing this swap is that I hate automatic transmissons and since all the other 3 cars I drive are manual I want the ltd to be as well. I was going to orginally use a regular old 3 speed out of a 289 or a 302 but I started looking at the weight differences and I got worried. The 1970 ford mustang weighs 3,100 lbs and the ltd II weighs 5,700 lbs. So will this trans me able to take all that weight? I dont think it will so i started thinking about truck transmissons. I already have the 1970 shift linkage so hopefully I can still use this some how because it was pretty expensive. So my question for you guys is that will this trans hold and if not what 3 speed trans from a ford truck will work with it. And will my rear end gears be ok with this change? Thanks for the help they should of made these cars manual from the factory.

 

most times when taking out an automatic trans. the vehicle was already set up that way. the trans. will be able to handle the weight of the car. most people are happy with the automatic trans. and don't intend to change it. but, it can be done. when you do this mod. just keep in mind that you're going to have to change a few items like adding a clutch pedal to it. and depending on if you want the gear selector on the column or on the floor. another thing that has to be changed will be the flywheel and you'll have to add a pilot bushing to end of the crank shaft. welcome to the sight