Quote Originally Posted by joed View Post
For whatever this is worth...

A few years ago I was thinking about swapping a 6.5TD into one of the 1st gen toronados (1966-68 or so), but didn't like the 3 spd non-lockup transaxle.

I found that they did offer a 4-spd O.D. version from 1982-1985, with a lockup TC (I assume). Not sure if it could be built strong enough for a 6.5/motorhome use....Seems like there are some still out there, according to car-part.com.

Joe.
Before embarking on the subframe swap idea, I talked to a guy in California who is the guru of these transmissions about the 4 sp., lockup version. He was less than complimentary about them, saying they failed even with the V6 powerplants.

If memory serves, I believe he said it was based on the old thm200r4. Gear ratios in lower gears were great but would need a butt load of cash to strengthen them up to take the torque and even then, their lifespan would be suspect. Again old tech with limited parts availability.

Thanks.

Bill