As a matter of information on the Large input Toploader in a T Bird the front bearing retainer needs to be turned down about 1/8" to fit in the bellhousing. I also had to make a 1' spacer to go under the rear mount to get the transmission to sit properly. Also had to use a different front yolk on the driveshaft. The one off my old T85 overdrive fit. The front yolk off of any late model Ford with a C6 trans will also work. The stock drive shaft worked fine.  

That would explain why there was no apparent damage when i pulled the mismatched gears. Since the car's not running yet I hopefully haven't damaged anything yet. I need to call the Toploader guy tomorrow to order the proper gears for 3.56, 3.89, and 4.56 rear ends. Will use 3.56 for long haul, 3.89 for normal street use, and 4.56 for the strip. Just glad I didn't fire it up and drive it.

Added Note : There is no real support on driven gear(speedo cable gear)... It will push together and away from driver gear on main shaft . I promise you you will ruin booth gears in short order.... Mike

Hello.... This is the two helical angles you need with your Toploader passenger side speedo load Torino 429 housing. Tail casting # C9OR-7AO40A...Your driver gear is plastic on main shaft like the driven gear gear on speedo cable. You will chew up both gears if helix is not correct. Double check what is on your main shaft ?? Lots can happen in rebuilds 40 plus years later. Most 429 Torinos came with 7 tooth driver (black gear). Double check what you really have... Hope this helps.... Mike

The pictured gear is opposite of the previous described gear and opposite of mine. I am assuming that the gear in the transmission is steel. If my gear is angled in the wrong direction it would not go in or would show damage when I took it back out. Now I'm confused again?

I modified the stock one. A little hacksaw work to split and spread it slightly and a little welding and it fits fine.

A little off the subject but what are you using for a clutch fork?

  Vic Correnti

Gear is top left to bottom right as you say. Cable goes in on passenger side. Pulled it. Looks fine. No damage. If there was a mismatch it would show. Re installed with a little assembly line. Went in easier. The older I get, the more I double and triple check things. Thanks for the input

1970 429 Torino tail housing loads speedo cable from passenger side. Your driver gear on transmission main shaft should have a top right to lower left helical cut. ( looking thru speedo hole )...Driven gear ( on cable ) should have a top left to lower right helical cut looking at top down side view. Most 1963 3 &4 speeds I have seen all loaded speedo cable on drivers side of tail housing. Check your helical angles.... Mike