302 + T-18 in 1st gen Ranger

[Tberry]

Hey all,

Originally bought a 302 and C6 for my build from the junkyard. I didn't realize it until after install but they gave me an AOD instead, and it was trash. Lesson learned I should have paid attention and been more thorough....

So now I'm looking at just going manual. I live in the middle of nowhere and it's hard to find parts without driving 3 hours but a T-18 is available off a 302, so the bellhousing is correct. I plan to mate this to an NP205 and getting a custom driveshaft built. The plan is eventually an 8.8 rear and dana 44 in the front, maybe some 33s.

Truck will be used for in town daily driving, when I'm not riding my motorcycle, and off road in the woods, hunting , fishing, etc. Perks of being in the middle of nowhere.

Just wondering if anyone has done this and how it might all fit together? I read that the shifter ends up in the dash and you need some good bends. Im totally fine with custom built and fabrication. I really just want a cool rig to pass onto my boys someday, and they need to learn to drive a stick!!!

Thanks

 

[RonD]

T-18 is a 4-speed and shifter comes up at the front end of the transmission so shifting to 1-3-R would cause shift arm to hit the dash

https://www.fordification.com/tech/images/t18-shifter.jpg

But yes, the arm can be heated and bent back to get clearance

From another thread posted by projectnitemare:
NP205
two speed gear driven. Will fit with no major mods, Requires a bracket for support due to it's weight of 160lbs. Very heavy and heavy duty. Poor low range like the 203, 1.96:1

Borg Warner T18
heavy-duty 4-speed transmission with cast iron case and shift cover. Available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive versions. Used in Ford trucks 1956-73


Definitely "roll over" prevention with all that extra weight