Topic: Top loader 4 speed. RUG AV Worth?

[CCP]

    Recently swapped out a top loader 4 speed that was in a '70 Boss 2 that came into the shop. The transmission has the tag number RUG AV. According to David Kee website, it decodes as a 1970 Mustang, 302 351, wide ratio, 28 spline. The trans was quiet and shifted smooth. Very nice inside. Just wondering what it might be worth?

                       Thanks, Pete.

[krelboyne]

Bare transmission?

Worth considerable more with 1970 Ford Hurst shift lever assembly, T handle, rods, backup switch assembly with harness, and the very hard to find 4 speed lock out rod for the steering column. $1600+ ?

[CCP]

  Just the transmission. I had to put all those parts back on the car.

[midlife]

I thought all Boss 302's got close-ratio 4 speeds, not wide ratio.  Does the stamped VIN on the tranny match the car?  If not confirmed that it originally came from a B2, then it is a "generic" toploader, worth $800-$1200. 

[CCP]

  I guess I should have explained my post a little better. Sorry. The numbers matching transmission came with the car separately, and this wide ratio trans was in the car. I reunited the original box with the car, and ended up with the one that I took out. Just trying to get a ball park as to what it is worth.
  $800 to $1200 gives me a good idea. Thanks again, and sorry for the confusion.   

                 Pete.

[krelboyne]

I thought all Boss 302's got close-ratio 4 speeds, not wide ratio.  Does the stamped VIN on the tranny match the car?  If not confirmed that it originally came from a B2, then it is a "generic" toploader, worth $800-$1200.

Wide and close ratios available with Boss 302 - 1969-70. Close ratio is more common.
You might be thinking of the 1969-70 Cobra Jets's which only came with Code 6, close ratio 4 speeds?

[CCP]

   So would the wide ratio box tend to bring a little bit more than the close?

[midlife]

   So would the wide ratio box tend to bring a little bit more than the close?

Probably the opposite.  Close ratio trannies were made in far fewer quantities than wide-ratio, and were designed for road racing applications (as a gross generalization).  A person wanting a close ratio toploader will have a harder time finding one and would likely be willing to pay a premium for it.

[CCP]

  Hmm... now I am confused. One poster says that the wide ratio is scarce, the other says just the opposite. I always thought the wide gearbox was a little harder to come by. Anybody....?

[jwc66k]

The "standard" 4 speed Top Loader for V-8 applications were wide ratio (the same wide ratio for T-10 transmissions). A close ratio was "automatically" included with 289 HP engines in 64-66 as part of that option. I assume the same for 67 289 HP, including Shelby. My 69 Sportsroof had a wide ratio with the 351W 4V. I believe that a close ratio was an option for all V-8 engines from 67 thru 73, but standard on "performance" engine options. What this means is wide ratios transmissions are more plentiful. The difference was internal so a good transmission shop can "make" you one. Tag's optional.
Jim 

[CCP]

   Thanks for clearing that up. ( Clever puns too! ) 

                                   Pete.

[70cj428]

If not confirmed that it originally came from a B2, then it is a "generic" toploader, worth $800-$1200. 

Just FYI, There's no specific toploader for a Boss 302, all 70 small blocks used the same 2 transmissions , RUG AV (wide ratio) and RUG AW (close ratio). The only way the transmission would be specific to a Boss would be if the partial Vin on the case came back to a Boss 302. It would be worth more to the owner of that car, but to anyone else, it's just another 70 toploader. The wide ratio boxes are a lot more common, but are also more in demand and easier to sell. (the 2.78 first gear also makes a boss a lot nicer to drive....) 800 - 1200 is right on the money for an AV, AW's sell for about 200 more, and AZ's sell for about 1700-2000 in nice shape. (RUG AZ is the "big in, big out" 428-Boss 429 1970 box)

JMHO, John

[Mike_B_SVT]

Pete, does the trans you pulled out have a partial VIN stamp on it?

[CCP]

  It does.   06846.  That's all of it.

[Mike_B_SVT]

  It does.   06846.  That's all of it.

Thank you Sir!  Nothing in my files that matches up with a known Boss Eliminator.  Could have come out of a 351 Cougar though, but hard to say for sure.