T-18 or 3speed in my daily driver

[Texasswamp]

I currently drive a 72 f 100 with a 302 and a 4 speed t 18. I really starting to hate the granny gear. I just recently purchased a 70 f100 parts truck with a running 302 and a 3 speed. Will the 3 speed be better on the highway. I'm wanting to do the swap if it's worth it.

[PhantomoftheBumpside]

Go find yourself a AODE or a 4R70W... you'll appreciate the overdrive. .67 for the AODE .70 for the 4R70W... 1998 and later are the best, especially from the 5.4L Trucks. You can find used pulls cheap, they're relatively easy to work on, and you can get a controller and VB kit from someone like Baumann Electronic Controls for about $500.

[mmerlinn]

I currently drive a 72 f 100 with a 302 and a 4 speed t 18. I really starting to hate the granny gear. I just recently purchased a 70 f100 parts truck with a running 302 and a 3 speed. Will the 3 speed be better on the highway. I'm wanting to do the swap if it's worth it.

High gear is the same ratio in both transmissions, so there will not be any difference on the highway.

If you don't like the granny gear, start off in second and use the granny gear only when you need it.

[Donnie]

The only gain that you will see , as Merlin said, both are 1 to 1 in hi gear, is that you will not need to shift manually...Depending on your $$$ supply, you can just go with an AOD & skip the AODE, if your money is a factor. They are close ratio wise & no Electronics to fool with. The AOD is controlled by a cable or linkage...No $500 controller to buy.
The direct clutch is the weak spot in either unit, but if you allow it to shift from 2nd to 3rd on it's own ( not under full throttle) these 3/4 undersized clutches will last..
The AOD was around for 12 or 13 years, & other than a jerky 2/3 shift driver complaints were few..The AODE uses a lock up converter clutch controlled electronically ---Where as the AOD the lock up is controlled mechanically as the 3/4 clutch drum is splined into the front cover of the converter. You are eliminating the turbine or converter slip in the 3/4 clutch.Thus you are in lockup in 3rd gear.
Depending on your budget & willingness to need an overdrive.....You can go either way:
just adding some tech to what others have said...........ask questions if you are not clear & someone will help you..........good luck...........Donnie

[averagef250]

Why would you hate granny gear?

[Donnie]

You could always change your rear end ratio or put taller tires on it and then you could get better mileage and use your granny gear too ..............Donnie