I have a 1967 Mustang coupe with a 289 four barrel and three speed transmission. Now, assuming that the tranny hasn't been swapped (big assumption there, I know) what transmission do I most likely have in my car? I know a little about automatics but this is the first classic Ford I've had with a manual transmission

Thanks!

 

3.03 Toploader is what I believe it is.

 

Thanks! That's what I thought from my research but was wanting to double check.

 

Yup. Durable, but a PITA from a performance standpoint, and not really worth much money. I just swapped mine out in favor of a close-ratio toploader. Definitely one of the best things I've ever done to my car. The only reason I'd consider running a 3sp would be if I had 4.11 gears and didn't need to take it on the freeway.

 

Mine's strictly a cruiser so it's fine for my needs (although I have tossed around the idea of a four speed swap). Where's the best place to get a good/economical rebuild kit for it?

 

I swapped my 3 speed out for a T5.

 

That's probably the best idea, in your case. T5's can be found in junkyards for cheap, and the swap isn't terribly expensive. A 4sp swap is a bolt-in mod (aside from the speedo cable), but toploaders are generally more expensive and slightly harder to find. I only went with a toploader because I found one in very good condition for super cheap ($350 including Hurst shifter) and because my motor puts out just enough torque to possibly grenade a T5.

 

I lucked into a 4-spd toploader for 250.00 (with an original Hurst Comp shifter) but typically here NJ/PA/DE/NY area they run about 650.00 and up. A complete rebuild kit is 185.00 shipped from Toploader Heaven. The kit includes everything you'd need for a general rebuild including a number of specialized tools that make the job much easier. The instructions are provided on CD and are detailed enough that ANYONE can use them to rebuild a 4-speed toploader. If you can find a toploader I highly suggest the rebuild kit so your sure everything is in correct working order!

The unit I lucked into operated smoothly and had no damaged gears when opened and inspected. I decided to rebuild to replace all the syncros, C springs, bushings, needle bearings, gaskets, etc. Turns out that the output shaft had spun the edge splines off 80% around in 2 areas! I'd have ripped this thing apart along with a good possibility of damage to other parts of the drivetrain and car if I hadn't opted for the rebuild.

Thankfully David Kee was able to overnight me a replacement main output shaft (about 200.00) to Canada right away! OK so Customs delayed it for an extra day... but still. He had it shipped out while i was still talking to him on the phone. Personal service was great and I'd deal with him again without a 2nd thought. I understand why a few guys here talk so highly of him and his products.


Don't know if Mark at Toploader Heaven sells 3-speed rebuild kits as well as the 4-speed but I'd email or give him a call and ask. Google his name and you'll find nothing but 100% positive comments about his kits, personal support and the best damned instructions I've seen for anything car related!

I keep the original output shaft in the garage now as a reminder to inspect and double check everything. It also makes one mean club!

 

Glazier Nolan has parts and kits for the 3.03.

The 3.03 is not very trendy, but it's a very solid piece of work, actually uses some of the same internal parts as the "toploader" 4-speed.

 

Thanks for all the help and advice!