1970 – 1971 FORD TORINO
TKO 5-SPEED
INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOLLOW FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) RECOMMENDED
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION IS A LABOR INTENSIVE JOB, WHICH CAN RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF CAUTION IS NOT TAKEN. PLEASE BE
CAREFUL PERFORMING THIS JOB, OR HAVE A PROFESSIONAL
PERFORM THE JOB FOR YOU. REFER TO FSM FOR ADDITIONAL
DETAILS OF THE PROCEDURES BELOW, AS REQUIRED.
The material herein is the intellectual property of Silver Sport Transmissions (“SST”) and is to be used by SST customers or their
authorized installers for the sole purpose of installing SST-supplied transmissions and related parts. Under no circumstances shall
the manual or any portion thereof be copied, duplicated, distributed or incorporated in any written or printed document without the
express written approval of Silver Sport Transmissions.
MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
Before you start:
Test drive the vehicle, if possible, before you begin. Pay attention to noise and vibration
and record your observations. At the end of the installation, perform another test drive
to compare results.
It is also a good idea to measure engine driveline angle and driveshaft operating angles
for your existing transmission to use as a comparison to the new angles after the TKO
is installed.
You should also verify the parts you received. Compare the received items to the
detailed invoice provided in your shipment.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION
In addition to these instructions, you should receive the following instructions based on
your order, if applicable:
1. All kits – MAA-00101 Inspection and Correction of Bellhousing to Crankshaft Runout
2. Hydraulic Kit Instructions for FORD MAM-00201
NOTE: Transmission must be test shifted before installation. Due to jostling during
shipping, some transmissions will not shift properly when removed from the box. Please
make sure that the gear selector will move into each of the shift gate positions while rotating
the input shaft and checking for output shaft rotation. If the input shaft will not turn, slide a
clutch disc over the input shaft and jerk the clutch disc left and right to break it free.
If this does not correct the issue, call Silver Sport Transmissions at 888-609-0094 for help.
THIS CANNOT BE CORRECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN THE CAR!
TEST SHIFT FIRST!
A. REMOVE EXISTING EQUIPMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
Remove breather assembly and fan shroud.
Remove distributor cap if the engine is a small block.
Place shifter in neutral. Remove shift boot and lever.
Remove console, if equipped.
Raise car securely on lift or jack stands. 18 inches or more of working room is
recommended.
7. Remove exhaust, as required, for working clearance.
8. Unbolt starter and set aside.
9. Remove clutch linkage at torque arm to clutch fork.
10. Remove bellhousing dust cover.
11. Disconnect driveshaft from differential and remove from car.
12. Remove shifter assembly.
13. Remove speedometer cable.
14. Disconnect reverse lamp wiring.
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FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
15. Secure rear of engine with a hydraulic jack.
16. Unbolt transmission isolator from the crossmember and remove crossmember.
17. Secure transmission (jack recommended) and unbolt from bellhousing, then move
rearward and remove from vehicle.
18. Remove bellhousing and clutch unit.
19. Inspect flywheel ring gear teeth (no cracks, chips, wear), and friction surface (no
cracks). Silver Sport Transmissions strongly suggests removing flywheel and
having it resurfaced, then dynamically balanced at a reputable automotive machine
shop unless the engine was externally balanced with the flywheel installed.
20. Remove manual transmission pilot bushing.
B. TUNNEL MODIFICATION
Due to variation in dimensions on these cars from the factory, some cars might
need an additional tunnel modification to achieve the correct driveline angle to
obtain acceptable driveshaft operating angles.
1. Temporarily attach TKO bell housing to the engine.
2. From rear face of bell housing (transmission mounting face), measure 16.65”
on driveline centerline and mark tower center location on underside of tunnel.
Drill 1/8” dia shifter locating hole thru tunnel.
3. Cut out the paper tunnel cutting template TMG-10205. Place the paper
template on the top of tunnel to align with the 1/8” dia shifter locating hole
and tape to tunnel.
4. Mark the area to be cut by tracing around the template cross hatched area.
5. Carefully cut the opening area.
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MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
C. TEST FITMENT
1. Lower engine and install transmission to bellhousing using Hardware Pack
HWM-Pack A. Support the transmission with a jack.
2. Attach isolator mount to transmission using Hardware Pack HWF-Pack C.
3. Raise the transmission enough to be able to install the original crossmember
under the isolator mount.
4. Use the original crossmember and crossmember to body bolts, washers, and
nuts. Raise rear of transmission to allow crossmember to be installed.
5. Position crossmember under isolator mount, install washer and nut on each
bolt, and lower transmission to rest on crossmember – there is no need to
install crossmember to isolator nuts for the clearance test fit. See Fig. 5-1.
Fig 5-1.
Installed crossmember
6. Verify 1/8 to 1/4” minimum clearance between TKO and tunnel. An easy way to
check areas that you cannot see is to use a length of rubber hose that is 1/4”
outside diameter. Loop it over the transmission at the bellhousing and see if
you can slide it all the way to the tail housing. If the transmission has less than
1/4” clearance at any point in the tunnel, you may be able to “massage” the
tunnel with a hammer and dolly to prevent cutting the tunnel.
7. This would be a good time to take the driveline measurement per the driveline
instruction sheet so that the new SST driveshaft can be ordered.
See MAA-00100 form in the customer info pack.
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FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
D. INSTALL NEW EQUIPMENT
1) Clean all mating engine surfaces and dowel pins.
2) Install new flywheel and flywheel bolts torqued to factory spec. Be sure to tighten
bolts in alternating cross pattern sequence.
3) Install new pilot bearing assembly into crankshaft using a socket of similar
diameter to the bearing and a rubber mallet.
NOTE: The pilot bearing is designed to be a slight press fit in the bore, and the
pilot bearing hole is not always sized correctly in some crankshafts. Your pilot
bearing OD should be between one-half of a thousandth and two thousandths of
an inch (0.0005” - 0.002”) larger than the ID of the hole in your crankshaft. If
outside of this range, a different pilot bearing is required, or your crankshaft or
pilot bearing may be modified to fit. Contact your local parts store or machine
shop for a suitable replacement or to modify your existing parts.
Fig 5-1.
Fig 5-2.
Rubber Sleeve
Pilot bearing
4) Use the provided 26T alignment tool with large pilot dia end to center the clutch
disk when applying torque to the pressure plate bolts. Install the bolts with
medium thread locking compound per clutch instructions and tighten in a star
pattern, one turn at a time to prevent distorting the pressure plate fingers, until
the cover is snug against the flywheel. Torque the bolts to 35 lb.-ft. in a star
pattern.
NOTE: When installing the pressure plate and clutch disk onto the flywheel,
NEVER use power or air tools. Using power or air tools will cause the
flanges of the pressure plate to distort. This will in turn cause uneven
pressure plate finger heights, which will lead to inconsistent or
unsuccessful clutch releases. See MAA-05000 clutch installation instructions
for more details.
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FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
5) With the bellhousing still removed from the engine, install clutch fork and release
bearing in the bellhousing if using mechanical clutch linkage. The tips of the
clutch fork and the spring fingers on the rear side of the clutch fork both fit inside
the groove on the release bearing. If you purchased the SST hydraulic system
with your transmission, the hydraulic release bearing will already be installed and
you will not be using a clutch fork.
6) Install bellhousing to engine, while making sure that there are no hoses, cables,
or wires caught between the bellhousing and engine block.
IMPORTANT !!! Refer to MAA-00101 Inspection and Correction of
Bellhousing to Crankshaft Runout
It is an absolute requirement that runout is checked and corrected PRIOR to
installing the transmission. The runout specification for all of Silver Sport's kits is
0.005" (5 thousandths of an inch) MAXIMUM. You MUST document the results
PRIOR to installation of transmission and keep these measurements recorded in a
safe place for your transmission warranty. Silver Sport’s Customer Service will need
this information if a warranty issue arises.
7) Reinstall the rubber sleeve (Fig. 5-1) on the output shaft if it was removed during
test shifting to help prevent fluid leakage during the installation. Fill transmission
with 2 quarts, 20 ounces of transmission fluid, or until fluid runs out of the fill plug
hole with the vehicle level. Reinstall the fill plug after adding fluid.
8) When installing transmission, use caution when inserting the input shaft into the
clutch disc and pilot bearing. Do not allow weight of transmission to rest on
assembly until fully engaged (doing so can misalign disc or damage pilot
bearing). The rubber output shaft sleeve may be temporarily removed and a slip
yoke inserted for the output shaft to be rotated to facilitate engagement into
clutch disk splines.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the transmission-to-bellhousing
bolts to draw/pull the transmission up to the bellhousing!
NOTE: If the transmission stops approximately 1/2” away from seating fully against the
bellhousing, install and finger-tighten bellhousing to transmission bolts. Connect clutch
linkage and depress pedal lightly while pushing transmission forward to facilitate
alignment of clutch disk to input shaft and pilot bearing. DO NOT force the transmission
into engagement – damage to the pilot bearing may result. Tighten bellhousing to
engine bolts once the transmission is seated against the bellhousing.
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MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
9) Once the transmission is fully seated by hand against the bellhousing, fasten with
bolts provided (HWM-PACK A) and torque to 50 lb.-ft.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING CAN CAUSE THE EARS OF THE
TRANSMISSION CASE TO BREAK AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER
WARRANTY (SEE PHOTO):
a) DRAWING THE TRANSMISSION UP TO THE
BELLHOUSING BY THE BOLTS.
b) NOT TORQUING THE TRANSMISSION-TOBELLHOUSING BOLTS TO 50 lb.-ft.
c) NOT HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FULLY SEATED
AGAINST THE BELL-HOUSING WHEN TORQUING THE
TRANSMISSION-TO-BELLHOUSING BOLTS.
10) Raise up engine/transmission until transmission contacts the top of the tunnel.
11) Attach rubber isolator mount to transmission using 1/2-13 x 1” bolts and lock
washers from hardware pack HWF-PACK C.
12) Re-install the factory crossmember, lower the transmission fully onto
crossmember. Mark location of new holes required for attaching the
crossmember to the frame. Drill holes as needed on each frame rail along the
same centerline as the factory holes. On some vehicles, you may find that the
existing rear holes in the frame now line up with the front holes in your
crossmember, or that your frame already has holes drilled very close to the
correct locations.
13) Attach crossmember to isolator mount with washers and nuts from Hardware
Pack HWF-PACK A. Confirm no interference to car body or noise will occur as
the driveline moves under load.
14) Remove shipping plug and insert drive shaft slip yoke fully until touching
transmission seal rubber dust boot. Set driveshaft into position at differential and
seat u-joints into differential pinion yoke. Make certain all parts are clean and
properly assembled.
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MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
15) Install straps and torque to factory specs: 17 lb.-ft. for 1310/1330 U-bolts;
24 lb.-ft. for 1350 U-bolts (excessive torque can distort bearing cap leading to
premature failure). Double check your assembly.
16) This would be a good time to double check driveline operating angles to confirm
front and rear angles are within recommended values. Adjust as necessary.
17) Connect clutch linkage - do not preload mechanical release bearing. Adjust
linkage as required. If using a SST hydraulic system (available separately),
follow instructions provided
18) Install new speedo cable per MAA-00102.
NOTE ORIENTATION OF RETAINING CLIP
Wrap tape around speedometer cable ends to
prevent damage and keep them clean while
routing new speedometer cable to transmission.
Remove rubber plug from the speedometer
cable port on left side (see photo right)
and install new speedometer cable with gear,
clip and o-ring (HWA-PACK S) into transmission
case. Install cable retainer bolt and tighten bolt
to 4 lb.-ft. Connect cable to speedometer.
The TKO 500 and 600 have provision for electronic speedometer output also. The speed
sensor is located on the passenger side of the transmission, directly opposite the
mechanical speedometer output (see photo below). The sensor is a standard two wire GM,
sine wave output, with 17 pulses per output shaft revolution, which equates to roughly
33,000 to 60,000 pulses per mile depending on axle ratio and tire size. For reference, a 26”
tire with a 3.73 gear will produce 49,212 pulses per mile. Please refer to your
speedometer’s installation instructions or contact the speedometer manufacturer for
information on connecting and calibrating your electronic speedometer.
19) The reverse B/U switch is located on the driver’s side of the main case and is a
black-bodied switch with (2) studs (see photo below). The switch is a normally
open, non-directional switch that will complete the lighting circuit when the
transmission is in reverse. SST has provided a two-wire harness with your kit
that will attach to the 5 speed B/U light switch. It can be spliced into your car’s
wiring harness in place of your original switch.
20) The wire pigtail at the very back of the tail housing is a neutral safety switch (see
photo below). It is a normally open, non-directional switch that will complete the
circuit when the transmission is in neutral. The plastic connector may be
removed and the neutral safety switch may be spliced in to your starter circuit
between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid if you so choose.
REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH
SPEEDOMETER CABLE PORT
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
ELECTRONIC SPEED SENSOR
RUBBER PLUG
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FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
21) Install exhaust.
22) Bolt on shifter handle with 3/8”-24 x 1” bolts and washers provided
(HWA-PACK L). Use medium strength thread lock compound.
Torque to 25 lb.-ft. Confirm shifter motion through all gears.
23) Install front carpet and seat(s).
24) Install shifter boot and retainer ring, and/or console if equipped.
25) Connect tachometer drive cable to distributor (if equipped).
26) Connect throttle linkage to carburetor.
27) Install distributor cap and breather.
28) Tighten fan shroud if it was loosened earlier.
29) Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
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MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
E. FINAL INSPECTION AND START UP PROCEDURE
1. If you did not fill the transmission with fluid before installation, remove the fill plug
on the passenger’s side of the transmission and fill with 2 quarts, 20 ounces of
transmission fluid, or until fluid runs out of the fill hole with the vehicle level.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle for a few minutes.
3. Check for leaks while warming up.
4. Slowly rev engine in neutral and listen for any unusual sounds or vibration.
5. Shift through all forward gears with the clutch disengaged (clutch pedal
depressed).
6. Do not shift into reverse above idle speed, reverse is not synchronized. Shifting
into reverse may require shifting into a forward gear first to prevent grinding.
7. Test drive at low speeds and low RPM.
8. Gradually increase engine RPM and vehicle speed.
9. Compare this test drive to the pre-installation test drive.
10. Drive conservatively for the first 500-1000 miles for transmission break-in.
11. If you experience vibration at highway speeds, verify that there is no body
contact with the new transmission. If there is no contact, it may be necessary to
adjust your driveline angle. Much has been written about driveline angles and
how to determine them, and there is a lot of great information available online
from multiple websites. If you need further help with your driveline angle, call
Silver Sport Transmissions’ Customer Service at 888-609-0094.
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FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18
F. SPECIFICATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
TREMEC HighPerformance ManualTransmission Fluid is endorsed by
Tremec for use in all Tremec brand aftermarket performance transmissions. GM
Synchromesh (part #88900333; formerly part #12345349) or Pennzoil (part
#3501), DEXRON/MERCON ATF (non-synthetic), and Mobil 1 ATF are the
ONLY other fluids approved by Tremec.
The use of ANY other fluid will void your warranty. Silver Sport
Transmissions recommends that the fluid be replaced after the first 500-1000
miles of normal driving, and then every 30,000 miles thereafter. It is acceptable
to use the less-expensive DEXRON/MERCON fluid for the break-in period and
then replace it with the Tremec HP MTF or GM Synchromesh.
FLUID CAPACITY:
2 QUARTS, 20 OUNCES (U.S.)
DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM
INPUT TORQUE:
•
•
TKO 500: 500 lb.-ft. in 4th gear
TKO 600: 600 lb.-ft. in 4th gear
CONTACT INFORMATION
SILVER SPORT TRANSMISSIONS
2250 STOCK CREEK BOULEVARD
ROCKFORD, TENNESSEE 37853-3043
Phone: (865) 609-8187
Toll Free: (888) 609-0094
Fax: (865) 609-8287
GEAR RATIOS:
TKO 500
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
TKO 600
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
WWW.SHIFTSST.COM
3.27
1.98
1.34
1.00
0.68
2.87
1.89
1.28
1.00
0.64
(0.82 OPTIONAL)
SILVER SPORT TRANSMISSIONS IS DEDICATED TO
YOUR SATISFACTION AND ENJOYMENT OF THIS
PRODUCT. PLEASE SEND US PICTURES OF YOUR CAR
ALONG WITH A TESTIMONIAL OF HOW YOU RATE THIS
PRODUCT. WE WILL BE POSTING MANY CUSTOMER
FEEDBACK LETTERS AND PICTURES ON OUR WEBSITE
AND BROCHURES.
ENJOY YOUR SILVER SPORT
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM!
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MAF-00500
FORD TORINO 1970-1971 TKO Installation, Rev B
11/19/18