If you are a senior car enthusiast, you would know that the Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission is one of the most popular and iconic transmissions in the muscle car era. The Toploader was used in a variety of Ford cars from the 1960s to the 1970s and is still popular with car enthusiasts today. In this article, we will discuss how to identify a Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission.
Identification Numbers
The first step in identifying a Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission is to locate the identification numbers. The identification numbers are stamped on the transmission case and can be found on the passenger side of the transmission, just below the side cover. The identification numbers consist of a combination of letters and numbers that represent the date of manufacture, the plant where the transmission was made, and the transmission model.
Date Codes
The first set of letters and numbers in the identification number represents the date of manufacture. The date code is a four-digit code that represents the month and year of production. The first two digits represent the month, and the second two digits represent the year. For example, a date code of "C5" would indicate that the transmission was made in March of 1965.
Plant Codes
The second set of letters and numbers in the identification number represents the plant where the transmission was made. The plant code is a two-digit code that represents the plant where the transmission was manufactured. The plant codes for Ford Toploader 4 speed transmissions are as follows:
- W - Warren, Michigan
- R - Dearborn, Michigan
- S - Sharonville, Ohio
Transmission Models
The third set of letters and numbers in the identification number represents the transmission model. The transmission model is a three-digit code that represents the type of transmission. The transmission models for Ford Toploader 4 speed transmissions are as follows:
- HEH - RUG - 1964-1973 Mustang, Cougar, Comet, Falcon, Fairlane
- HEF - RUG - 1965-1973 Mustang, Cougar, Comet, Falcon, Fairlane
- HEH - RUG - 1965-1971 Galaxie, Full-size Ford
- HEH - RUG - 1966-1973 Bronco
- RUG - 1974-1978 Mustang II, Pinto, Bobcat, Capri
External Features
In addition to the identification numbers, there are several external features that can help identify a Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission. The Toploader has an aluminum case with a side cover that is held in place by four bolts. The shifter linkage is located on the passenger side of the transmission case, and the reverse light switch is located on the driver side of the transmission case. The input shaft of the Toploader has 10 splines, and the output shaft has either 28 or 31 splines, depending on the model.
Conclusion
Identifying a Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission requires a combination of looking at the identification numbers and external features of the transmission. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify a Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission with ease. Whether you are restoring a classic muscle car or building a hot rod, the Ford Toploader 4 speed transmission is a classic and reliable choice.