On my convertible conversion I am moving away from the C4. I have a Top Loader 4 Speed but I am thinking about going the T5 route. I’d like to know the pros and cons from those that have made the swap. The biggest thing I like is the T5 kits that are available and the ability to source all the parts basically in “one stop shopping”. The Top Loader is cost effective but has been sitting many years so it would have to be gone through to make sure it’s reliable. Then I would need the bell housing, clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, shifter and the other associated parts. That leaves a lot of figuring on my part to make sure I have the proper items.
The CJ Pony Parts kit has the drive shaft. Would it be correct for the Cougar? The kit is listed for a Mustang and I was thinking it might not be correct for a Cougar with it’s 3" longer wheel base.
Steven
If you’re going to do ANY amount of highway driving, go with the T5 or get used to being passed. With my T5, I was able to use my original c4 driveshaft and as I recall, the only thing I needed to do was shorten the part that sticks into the transmission.
You are correct that the driveshaft needs to be Cougar specific, a Mustang one won’t work.
As far as choosing the transmission, if you’re building the car to be a cruiser that’s pleasant on the highway, go with the T5. If you’re intending more of a stoplight-to-stoplight machine, and/or your plans include bolting on some sticky tires and hitting the drag strip, you’ll be better off with the strength of the toploader.
I did this conversion and have been very happy with the results, although the car has been in storage for a number of years since my move.
Not sure buying a complete kit is the way to go, use the T-5 clutch and flywheel though. Check out Mustang Steve. I used his cable and clutch pedal conversion parts. Probably will need to do a ring and pinion change. I installed a 3.50TL and 9 inch rear end. Plan on replacing the driveshaft. Those C-4 drive shafts are a tube within a tube, that have 50 year old rubber in between.
Yeah, the Mustang length will not work. Probably not going to be able to order a drive shaft, have one specially made after everything is installed for accurate measurements.
Jody I’m sure I’ll be hitting the highway. There are a lot of neighboring counties that have great cruise-in’s and shows. I like the idea of having the over drive gear in the T5. I’ve done some reading and I’ve seen that the drive shaft is about 3/4" to long to fit. I guess I could always go your route and trim the yoke that slips into the transmission if that works. It would also save a couple of dollars.
At this point of my life I’m into the “pleasant” driving. I’ve had my fair share of stop light/track cars. Plus the absence of the roof and body modifications for the convertible conversion might not lend itself to the harsh conditions of racing. I think only Bob and Isabel are able to pull off track and pleasant Cougar convertible driving duties.
What about the cable clutch set up. I’ve had T5’s in past mid- 80’s Mustangs and they seemed to work great. Is it worth the extra cost and set up of a hydraulic set up?
I did this using a kit I got from CJ Mustangs. Using a cable clutch kit. I so far like it. I had a few small snags, but I overcame them and recommend it. You could do a t% only swap using earlier bell housing and clutch Z bar or a Hydraulic clutch. I bought a new T-5Z to use. At the least use a World Class T=5.
Search this and the Mercurycougar.net website. You will find a lot of information about doing the swap. I did mine with ModernDriveline parts. It is great. I used their hydraulic clutch setup.
Thanks for the information guys. I guess my biggest question now is the drive shaft. How did each of you cover this segment of the swap? I have the double walled type on my 68 so I would think shortening it might be out of the question. Does the conversion kits supplied yoke take care of the length difference?
Steven
Thanks for the information guys. I guess my biggest question now is the drive shaft. How did each of you cover this segment of the swap
I had a local shop cut down my drive shaft. But it was not the 2 part type, You may have to have one built to your needed size. I would start with looking for a used one peace shaft.
Also, the CJ Ponyparts kit is from Modern Drive line. Go to them for your kit if that is the way you go.
My 9 inch rear end and used third member from a Bronco (which have 1330 yokes as opposed to the typical 1310), allowed me to use a stock FMX drive shaft from a 1969 Cougar. I am using a combination 1310x1330 U-Joint from Neapco.
As always, your results may vary. I also used a C-4 yoke that fit into my T-5.
