Thread: 46 Ford Coupe Rear end and Suspension Questions

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Anybody know a good place to find a drive shaft or if i need a different one with a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear end and the stock flathead/transmission?

Originally Posted by KOULAIDE

Anybody know a good place to find a drive shaft or if i need a different one with a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear end and the stock flathead/transmission?

It sounds like you are going to use the stock 46 transmission, is that correct? If so it is going to be some work to convert it to open driveline. Right now it is set up for an enclosed driveshaft and you don't just bolt a regular shaft/u joint in place. There are ways to do it.......never done it myself, but not sure if the components to do it anymore are available.

Some people are putting t5 transmissions (5 speeds) behind flatheads with an appropriate bell housing/clutch set up. Looks like that has become a popular swap.........but again, it takes parts to get you there. Same with the C4 swap called flatomatic.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

It sounds like you are going to use the stock 46 transmission, is that correct? If so it is going to be some work to convert it to open driveline. Right now it is set up for an enclosed driveshaft and you don't just bolt a regular shaft/u joint in place. There are ways to do it.......never done it myself, but not sure if the components to do it anymore are available.

Some people are putting t5 transmissions (5 speeds) behind flatheads with an appropriate bell housing/clutch set up. Looks like that has become a popular swap.........but again, it takes parts to get you there. Same with the C4 swap called flatomatic.

Don

Yes it is the original trans. So what transmission can I swap if I wanted to still use the flathead and maybe relocate the shifter to the floor?

Originally Posted by KOULAIDE

Yes it is the original trans. So what transmission can I swap if I wanted to still use the flathead and maybe relocate the shifter to the floor?

I don't know a whole lot about this swap (putting a T5 behind a flathead) but I read a lot. Without a doubt the best source of info on anything flathead related has to be the HAMB.........that is their area of expertise. I would go on there and do a search under T5 flathead and read all the threads and posts related. I didn't want to start posting their threads without permission, but there is one in particular that cites a Hemmings Motor News article outlining the differences between various T 5 transmissions and what cars/trucks to get them from.

I do know Wilcap makes an adapter to put this transmission behind your flathead, their 59A-350BH. http://www.wilcap.com/webdoc8.html

With a little keyboard searching you should be able to learn everything you need to know about this swap. It is the only easy way I know to get an open driveline behind your flathead, much easier than converting your existing transmission, plus you pick up 2 more gears.

Don