Tremec T170 Series Transmission

Ford/Tremec SMOD, SROD, TOD Specs & Ratios

The Tremec T170 series transmission was used in Ford F-150 pickups during the 1978 to 1987 model years, in addition to many applications in Ford cars of the period. For Ford pickups, the transmission can be divided into three distinct models; the T170F-RUG or "SMOD", T170FS-RUG or "SROD", and the T170FT-RTS or "TOD". All transmissions are 4 speed overdrive units and will be found in trucks with a transmission code "B" on the vehicle's door pillar tag. They are toploading transmissions, but this is not to suggest that the transmissions are part of the Ford Toploader family - this simply indicates that the transmission 'guts' are loaded via a removable cover on the top of the transmission, as opposed to a side positioned access cover.

The popularity of the T170 series transmissions is rather hit-or-miss, with a popular consensus that the transmissions are clunky, have a low power threshold, and feature an excessively large step between 1st and 2nd gears. In reality, the step between 1st and 2nd gears is no more severe than that of the 2nd to 3rd step in the popular T-18, NP435, and T-19 manual transmissions. However, the fact that the transmissions lack a low "granny" 1st gear contributes to the fact that the transmissions are unfavorable for utilitarian purposes. Of the three T170 series transmissions, the SMOD is likely the most popular as it features a stronger cast iron case - both the SROD and TOD feature aluminum cases.

 

T170F-RUG SMOD Gear Ratios & Specs

 

1

2

3

4

R

300 I-6, 302 V-8

3.25 : 1

1.92 : 1

1.00 : 1

0.78 : 1

3.25 : 1

351W

3.01 : 1

1.78 : 1

1.00 : 1

0.78 : 1

3.01 : 1

 

Manufacturer:

Tremec

Transmission:

T170F-RUG 'SMOD'

Type:

4 speed manual, toploaded overdrive

Applications:

1978 - 1984 Ford F-150, 300, 302, & 351 cid engines

Case Material:

Cast iron

Synchronized:

All forward gears

Features:

• Transmission utilizes 3 side mounted shift rails on the left side of the case

• 351 cid V-8 version has a taller 1st and 2nd gear ratio

• 300 cid I-6 and 302 cid V-8 version has identical gear ratios as the SROD

• Trans code "B"

SM

Side mounted shift rails

OD

Overdrive

 

T170FS-RUG SROD Gear Ratios & Specs

1

2

3

4

R

3.25 : 1

1.92 : 1

1.00 : 1

0.78 : 1

3.25 : 1

 

Manufacturer:

Tremec

Transmission:

T170FS-RUG 'SROD'

Type:

4 speed manual, toploaded overdrive

Applications:

1980 - 1983 Ford F-150, 300 & 302 cid engines

Case Material:

Aluminum alloy

Synchronized:

All forward gears

Features:

• Shift pattern is identical to other T170 series transmissions, but the shift lever must be pushed downwards in order to engage reverse

• Relatively unpopular transmission with sloppy shift characteristics and a low input rating

• Utilizes a single shift rail on the side of the transmission

SR

Single shift rail

OD

Overdrive

 

T170FT-RTS TOD Gear Ratios & Specs

1

2

3

4

R

3.01 : 1

1.78 : 1

1.00 : 1

0.78 : 1

3.01 : 1

 

Manufacturer:

Tremec

Transmission:

T170FT-RTS 'TOD"

Type:

4 speed manual, toploaded overdrive

Applications:

1984 - 1987 Ford F-150

Case Material:

Aluminum alloy

Synchronized:

All forward gears

Features:

• Same transmission ratios as the 351W versions of the SMOD

• Trans code "B"

• RTS = "Remote Tower Shift"

T

Topshift

OD

Overdrive