Borg Warner T-10 and Ford Toploader

[Ben]

I have a question after reading about the gearboxes in our cars.

Our cars typically use ZF, G50, O1E Audi, and UN1-13 (in my case). However, I haven't seen the standard gearboxes used in Ford V8s and AC Cobras in the 1960s and 1970s, the Borg Warner T-10, and the later Ford Toploader.

Why isn't there any talk about them?

They could be installed in our cars too, right?

 

[Ole Nylende]

Have a look at the t44, it is essentially a 4spd toploader gearset with a custom input shaft, quick change gears in the back and a shaft forward to the diff... Which is similar sized to a 9 inch unit. They are available but at a cost.

 

[DaveM]

I have a question after reading about the gearboxes in our cars.

Our cars typically use ZF, G50, O1E Audi, and UN1-13 (in my case). However, I haven't seen the standard gearboxes used in Ford V8s and AC Cobras in the 1960s and 1970s, the Borg Warner T-10, and the later Ford Toploader.

Why isn't there any talk about them?

They could be installed in our cars too, right?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your question, but the gearboxes you reference don't have a differential, they're not transaxles.

 

[Ole Nylende]

 

[JMCGRATH]

Note,

T-44's are not available unless you know someone whom will sell you one they already own. You may be able to scrounge together the internals to build one IF you already have the Magnesium case that is usable. Chance of success, .001%. They are all owned by somebody and not for sale generally.

I have one that I race in my MKIIA and have done some partial overhaul of it. It was rebuilt/blueprinted 15 years ago at a cost of 36K. Should one magically appear and be ready to run, no less than 75-100K today. IMO.

JM

 

[DaveM]

Thanks for that info JM. I thought only Holman Moody and Riley had new ones and only for sale in their MkII and MkIV replicas.
Wish I had bought one years ago when Mike Teske was doing a batch under the KarKraft banner. I broke 2 RBT's (4th gears) on track days, so see why Ford didn't trust the ZF with the big block.

 

[Michael]

I have a question after reading about the gearboxes in our cars.

Our cars typically use ZF, G50, O1E Audi, and UN1-13 (in my case). However, I haven't seen the standard gearboxes used in Ford V8s and AC Cobras in the 1960s and 1970s, the Borg Warner T-10, and the later Ford Toploader.

Why isn't there any talk about them?

They could be installed in our cars too, right?

T-10s and Toploaders are conventional transmissions designed for use in front engine/rear drive applications with differential gearing built into the rear axle assembly. Mid-engine applications require transaxles which contain transmission gearing, differential gears, and axle drive stubs built into a much more compact unit. Completely different applications.

 

[Ben]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your question, but the gearboxes you reference don't have a differential, they're not transaxles.

I understand Dave, I hadn't noticed that "small detail" so the doubt I had is cleared

 

[Ben]

T-10s and Toploaders are conventional transmissions designed for use in front engine/rear drive applications with differential gearing built into the rear axle assembly. Mid-engine applications require transaxles which contain transmission gearing, differential gears, and axle drive stubs built into a much more compact unit. Completely different applications.

Yes Mike, I realized this after creating the post. I still have a lot to learn.

Thank you so much.

 

[Michael]

I'm in a continuous learning loop myself Ben...

 

[Randy V]

There have been numerous other attempts to build a transaxle from an existing heavy duty transmission - such as this one (link below)

L

Thread 'Custom transaxle'

Feb 26, 2009

Hi guys ....this is my first theard and thought this would be a good place to get some feed back on my trans axle build. I'm in the early stages of building a trans axle from Nissan Patrol diff and gearbox. the reason for the choice of parts is 2 fold, 1st I had the parts lying around so it was cheap start, 2nd I need a trans that will handle Big Block HP and Torque as I intend to wrapp it in a Can-Am replica. I have been running this stuff in offroad racing and 4x4 challenge events with 600hp chev through it and you canot break it. the plan is to build a self contained diff carrier with...

• leonmac
• Replies: 306
• Forum: GT40 Tech - Powertrain/Transaxles

Others have also come and gone. To my knowledge, no one has come out with a marketable solution..

 

[Ole Nylende]

Many have tried, most (or all) have failed or gave up. From what i heard even some names above struggled and went through alot of pain on the t44 reproductions.

I have sketched a bit on one aswell, basically a whole gearbox rearranged to get the diff on top. Time will tell if it ever gets materialized.

To quote another big name in the gearbox repro industry; if you want to make a small fortune on gears you better start with a big one.