T5 5-Speed Package | 1940-1948 Ford Car | 59A Flathead Clevis Cross Shaft

T5 5-Speed Package | 1940-1948 Ford Car | 59A Flathead Clevis Cross Shaft

T5 5-Speed Package | 1940-1948 Ford Car | 59A Flathead Clevis Cross Shaft

Description

Key Features

  • Custom front-shift T5 design moves shifter forward to match OEM three-speed positioning
  • Engineered specifically for 59A flathead V8 with integral cast bell housing and clevis cross shaft linkage
  • 2.95:1 first gear and 0.63:1 overdrive for strong launches and relaxed highway cruising
  • Handles 330 ft-lb of torque safely - suitable for 450 hp streetcars on DOT-approved tires
  • 75 lbs dry weight - TREMEC's most compact transmission fits most factory tunnels without major modifications
  • 10-spline input shaft with 28-spline output for reliable power transfer
  • Requires 2.75 quarts of ATF Dexron III
  • Complete configurable package includes transmission, adapter, clutch, flywheel, shifter, and all hardware
  • Made in the USA with lifetime technical support from MDL

Description

The Ford flathead was America's first mass-produced V8, but its factory three-speed becomes a bottleneck when you want to cruise modern highways without screaming RPMs. This complete T5 package solves that problem with five forward gears and a deep 0.63:1 overdrive, engineered specifically for 1940-1948 Ford cars equipped with the 59A flathead engine and its integral cast bell housing with clevis cross shaft clutch linkage.

Shifter position is the critical challenge when converting flathead Fords. The original three-speed placed the shifter exactly where drivers expect it, and a mispositioned gear lever ruins the driving experience. MDL's custom front-shift T5 moves the shifter forward to match that OEM location, delivering comfortable, natural shifting without awkward reach or extensive floor pan modifications. The transmission adapter is purpose-built for the 59A engine's unique integral bell housing - identifiable by the "59" cast into the top of the housing - and configured for the clevis-style cross shaft release mechanism used in 1940-1948 Ford passenger cars.

The TREMEC T5 with its 2.95:1 first gear provides strong acceleration off the line, while the 0.63:1 overdrive fifth gear drops engine RPM significantly for quieter, cooler highway cruising and improved fuel economy. At just 75 pounds dry, this is TREMEC's most compact transmission - it fits into most factory tunnels without major bodywork while still handling 330 ft-lb of torque. That's more than enough headroom for a built flathead while providing the reliability and smooth shifting the T5 is known for.

This guided package system lets you configure every component for your specific build: transmission, bellhousing adapter, clutch set, flywheel, shifter components, speedometer provisions, transmission mount, and driveshaft yoke. MDL developed specific flathead flywheels and 10-inch long pattern diaphragm clutches to ensure proper clutch release with the conversion. Every piece is selected to work together, eliminating guesswork and parts-chasing. Made in the USA with lifetime technical support.

What's Included

  • TREMEC T5 5-speed transmission with custom front-shift tail housing (2.95:1 first gear, 0.63:1 overdrive)
  • Transmission adapter for 59A flathead integral bell housing with clevis cross shaft configuration
  • Choice of custom shifter assemblies for optimal positioning
  • Clutch set options - 10-inch long pattern diaphragm clutches for 59A applications
  • Flywheel options for flathead 59A crankshaft
  • ARP flywheel bolt kit
  • Pressure plate bolt kit
  • Shift knob and ball options in multiple finishes
  • Shift lever options including custom and Hurst configurations
  • Shift boot options from Lokar
  • Speedometer cable and driven gear selection
  • Speedometer gear retaining clip
  • Transmission mount
  • Driveshaft yoke options (1310, 1330, or 1350 series, 28-spline)
  • 3 quarts ATF Dexron III transmission fluid
  • Comprehensive installation instructions
  • Lifetime technical support from MDL
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