Jarid

Hi all. I am currently customizing a 1980 mustang. I pulled a 302 from a 72 econoline van and dropped it in my mustang. The mustang had a 2.3 withh a manual 4 speed, but it is one that can only be disconnected from the bellhousing by removing the engine and taking the bolts out from inside the bellhousing, so the 4 speed would not bolt to the 302. Instead I took the 3 speed manual from the van and put it into the mustang as well. The transmission is one that has the 2 tabs on the side of the transmission that connects to the shifter with link rods. The problem I am having is finding a 3 speed shifter that will work in the mustang. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know this may be a bit of a problem since mustangs did not come with 3 speed transmissions back then and this is a customized unique modification, but any suggestions would help. The only shifters I can find that will work are for trucks and are WAY to long.

AdderMk2

you should stop now, and ditch the 3 speed.

Jarid

Ya, not an option. Don't have the money for a different transmission and I know this one is strong. I do like the pic though lmao

AdderMk2

So, you'd rather try to fit a square peg in a round hole, than go to the junkyard and buy a $200 transmission...


Your car is a lost cause... Stop now, because this hobby clearly isn't for you.

rtintwo

Im almost afraid to post this but yes the classic mustangs did use a 3 speed manual and a shifter out of a 71-73 might work for you.

Its you money and you can spend it how you choose. But if you dont have the 200 to buy a T-5 then you should probably worry more about saving some cash than spending what you do have on something that wont work the way you want it to.

Jarid

Rtintwo,

Thank you for the idea, I really appreciate it. I just need a 3 speed shifter for a ford car, the linkage I can have made from a good friend of mine that is always restoring and modifying classic cars. He has done a lot crazier things that what I am doing and made it work like a dream. I'm not having a problem figuring out how to get it to work, I'm having problems finding a car shifter. I found a Mr. Gasket universal 3 speed shifter for a truck, but I don't feel like reaching up to shift lol. I was beginning to think I was going to have to just buy the truck shifter, cut it down, and re-thread the end, but thanks for the tip.

As for the T-5 transmission, it is impossible to find one in my area. When a T-5 hits the junkyard it usually sells instantly. There are a few junkyards that actually have a list of people looking for T-5 transmissions. I have been on those lists for 2 years and check in once a month to ALL of the junkyards. T-5 trannys are a hot item around here because of all the speedways we have in my area. I even thought about changing it over to an automatic but all the C-4 trannys I found need rebuilt.