For me, the choice became obvious to go with the Keisler T45R after monkey'ing around trying to put the T45R's later replacement (Tremec TR-3650) in my '68 F-100 that I got with the mod motor. The later five-speed has a totally unique shifter that was becoming a real thorn in my side. It hangs way off the back of the trans and secures to a bracket under the floor, as best I could tell. The T45R has an internal rail shifter like those on the TKO and T56 Tremecs that solves a lot of problems. Not only this, but the trans mount and rear yoke is much more universal/user friendly. Did I mention Keisler backs the T45R with a 12-month warranty that you have up to 24 months to activate in case you are in the middle of a build (or at the perpetual end like me)?
Call or log onto Keisler's website to find out more about their affordable, durable five-speed for the masses!
 With the transmissions side-by-side,...  With the transmissions side-by-side, it was easy to see the whole shifter pickle I was in. The contraption of a shifter on the later tranny is obviously a unique beast and one I would rather not deal with. I guess if I went to a junkyard and got the stuff off the bottom of a Mustang to mount the shifter it might have worked... |  But the shift handle location...  But the shift handle location was almost 3 feet back from the front of the bellhousing! I thought I would try to make it work in the beginning, but believe it or not, I'm trying to make LESS work for myself as time goes on. |  From the front of the bellhousing...  From the front of the bellhousing for my late-model Ford motor to the shifter on the T45R is about 27 1/4 inches, almost 8 inches forward of the other tranny. On the T45R with the divorced bellhousing it measures 20.47 inches from the bellhousing flange to the shifter, so add that plus your stick bellhousing depth to find the shifter location in your truck. |
 Another plus in my book is...  Another plus in my book is the use of a heavy-duty 31-spline Spicer slip yoke. This simplifies the driveshaft and reduces the cost of getting a driveshaft made with a slip joint in it and the special U-joint assembly to mate to the fixed yoke on the later trans I have. |  When ordering your trans,...  When ordering your trans, Keisler needs to know if you'll need provisions for a speedometer cable or an electronic vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Either one easily mounts to the left side of the T45R and is held in with a single bolt. I have a Ford-type VSS to match my Ford EFI engine harness. |  Before trying to install the...  Before trying to install the new tranny, I checked the clutch disc alignment and LIGHTLY greased the input shaft splines. I also checked the alignment dowel pins in the engine bellhousing for burrs or nicks since it's a tight fit. Now, bust open the hardware provided in the Essentials Kit and snug the transmission down once it's seated against the engine. |
 Now, line up the isolator...  Now, line up the isolator mount and install your tranny crossmember. Some of you may run into problems here depending on your application. More than likely you'll have to move your existing tranny crossmember or buy or make a new, more universal one. I modified the one I got from Classic Performance Products to work, but that of course negates returning it. |  Once your T45R is in place,...  Once your T45R is in place, Keisler says the best way to determine the driveshaft length is to measure from the machined surface on the tailshaft (that the yoke seal goes into) to the face of the rearend yoke. Don't forget to lightly grease or oil your yoke before installing it. |  At the rearend yoke, measure...  At the rearend yoke, measure to the face of it where the cap mounts. Basically, measure to the centerline of the U-joint, so mine would be 56 inches on the money. |
 To go right along with the...  To go right along with the `60s-70s performance feel I'm going for with the truck, I requested Keisler's TKO chrome shift handle for bucket seat applications. They also have a variety of shapes/sizes, including Hurst shifters. Of course, you have your choice of shifter balls to match in either black or white with the Keisler logo or the classic-looking five-speed pattern. |  The handsome shift lever assembly...  The handsome shift lever assembly easily attaches to the shifter atop the T45R with two 3/8x24 bolts and lock washers (thread-locking liquid would be a good idea, as well). I doubt that most trucks would need any cutting done to their floors besides a hole for the shift lever, but that's not a guarantee. Remember, I kicked up my frame and had to raise the engine and trans to accommodate. |  The Keisler shift knob feels...  The Keisler shift knob feels right at home in my palm and wound up being a very comfortable/natural position--which is a relief! Keisler also has shifter boots, should you need one--I'm still unsure if I'm going to mess with making/finding an era-matching center console or not ... but don't wait for me, call Keisler today and shift into overdrive! |