To build up a 4-speed toploader to handle roughly 415 ft lbs of torque and if so how difficult would it be to do if I have no previous experience with transmissions?

 

i think the toploader will be fine with 415ft lbs, they are among the strongest factory muscle car trannies

 

really? oh and is there anything i can do to make shifting easier...its pretty tricky to get it into the right gear sometimes.

 

rebuild the linkage and adjust it properly

 

well i did a little digging and it looks like you are right...it should be able to handle the power if everything is in good working order. that pretty much made my day right there...i was kind of expecting to spend a few thousand on a new transmission so that is great news. rebuilding the linkage shouldnt be too difficult...from the looks of it it seems pretty simple. looks like she may be driving down the road sooner than expected

 

toploader=the bulletproof they were over built for there applications

 

You may consider a Hurst shifter for it. Factory shifters are ok when rebuilt (rebuilding them is easy), but they're still sloppy when compared to a Hurst shifter. It's kinda nice being able to find the gear you're aiming for.

 

Does the size of your clutch pressure plate matter? I have an F-150 four speed with an 11" clutch/plate and have no issues. Oh and it has a hurst shifter, the gears are kinda strange but it works great.