Q. is the 4 speed used with the Falcon 6 compatible or strong enough for a 302 v8? is the bell housing etc. the same 6 and 8?
The "Dagenham" sp was behind some early 260s as I recall. But they are rather frail and don't think a bell was made to fit the later pattern V-8 blocks.
As far as I know the Dagenham was on 170 and 200 sixes and was used in a few econolines with a column shift.
Thanks thats what I thought. I'm not that knowledgeable about Fords. what is the best 4 speed behind a 302?
Yes the Dagenham 4 speed was used behind the 260 in Falcons and mustangs these trannies are junk ! They were used behind 1600 CC Fords in England they were barely strong enough for the 140 6 in the US!
I had a 65 wagon in the day with a 289 and I changed out the auto to a T-10. It was a pretty straight forward install with all stock parts. If you go with the T-10 the Falcons and Comets had a different shifter location on the tail shaft so make sure you use the correct tail shaft. The 6 cylinder 4 speed is far too weak and parts are hard to come by and $$$$.
put a 5 speed in it, 5th gear is worth it it. i have a 302 t5 combo in my falcon. i originaly built the car with a top loader and am much happier with the 5 speed. i have a husrt shifter with a knob that says hurst on it so everyone thinks its a 4 speed car.
Like they said, don't bother with it. I knew of several people who had them, and even with low miles, and not abused they didn't hold up well behind the stock six. Even the 3spd in early Mustangs were not that strong. The V8's used better ones.
The dagenham 4 speed was only available behind the 6 cyl. Falcon, Comet , Econoline, and early Mustang and it is a very weak transmission. The biggest problem with them is Ford stopped service the replacement parts long bago and they are hard to find parts for. They will only bolt to the small 6 cyl. bellhousing so they can't be adapted to a V-8
What I use all the time that is super cheap is a 3 speed OD out of a early 80s ford truck. Basically a 4 speed, with 4 gear being OD. It is an aluminum toploader with integral shifter. Buy them for $50 all day long at swap meets. Second choice is a WC T5. They run about $500. A toploader is a good choice if you can find one. I have one in my Falcon and its hard to find the correct tail shaft and shifter. They run $500-700. Don't bother with a T-10. Parts are unavailable.
FalconMan;where did you get that info on T-10s,I just rebuilt one last year,no problem getting parts here in CA.,ROY.
I would have to vote with the skip the 4 speed and go with a five speed crew... If you never owned an overdrive, it is an eye opening experience the first time you hit the feeway!!! You'll never settle for a non-overdrive trans again, period.
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