1952 Ford F2 215ci OHV

Is there info out there of someone doing a build? What automatic transmission should I put behind the 215 so I can get rid of the 4-speed? Are there aftermarket parts and upgrades for the 215? I want to update the rear end and get rid of the 4.86 gears but still use my current 8-lug wheels. I love the appearance of the truck, want it to look stock, but want to make it reliable and easy to drive. Please help me!!!

I'm not sure there is an auto trans that will bolt up to the 215 unless it is the old fordamatic iron one.....I think it would be kind of a dog in a heavy truck like an F2 anyway. A T-5 5 speed manual would be easier to hook up, either way some fab work for mounts, driveline, etc is required.
As for the rear end, any Dana 60 up till '72 will fit in without too much trouble. It is a common swap.

There are some kits to adapt the autos to the 223 / 215 from a C4, up to an AOD. As tinman52 said the old castiron case FordOMatic will bolt up and with a little work so will the Later CruiseOMatic and the FMX.

Thanks for the feed back. Not sure what I'm going to do. Definitely going to be looking for a Dana rear diff. Thanks again!!!

New here, but guys might know me from other forums. I'm in the middle of the restoration of a 52 F-3 with 215. Mine is a Marmon-Herrington, but the 215 aspects will be similar to yours. Mine is also as close to factory stock as I can make it. Regarding the 4.86/1 gear set in your stock Timken, there was also an optional 4.11/1 ratio, but finding original sets is real hard. Plus Studebaker guys look for them too, so we aren't alone. Swapping to a Dana 60 is a simple bolt in, but keeping the Timken can also be done with a set of Chuck Mantiglia's reproduction 4.11/1 sets. I have these sets in both front and rear axles. I'll link Chuck's web site below. Regarding your transmission, another option is the 3HD that was a stock option. Synchro on 2nd and 3rd, but not first. Stu

http://www.chuckstrucksllc.com/startframe.htm

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll89 ... 4mbji4.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll89 ... siht9i.jpg

Thanks Truckdog! Hope to see a picture of your truck when your done. Looks pretty nice. I think I'm going to go your route and keep it as stock as possible. Thanks for the response and the link. You helped me out greatly!!!