So I have a 302 and running a 3 speed RAT transmission that is having problems now
I now have come to a block in the road of what I should put in it . So I thought I would ask
if anyone prefers the 3 speed over the 4. Or likes the 4 speed better then the 3 speed.
Can't make my mind up but I know the bronco brothers can help

What's the primary mission of the truck?

Also, what's your budget?

If its anything other than a stock cruiser, the NP435 is better. The 1st gear on the 435 is awesome.

Its going to be primarily almost the same tranny except you have a low granny gear for 4 wheelin. I like my 435, usually only use 2-4 to get me going.

Well I would like it to go off as well as on.
I have a stock 302 and a 500 cfm carb . I'm running 33" tires and a 4"lift 410 posi Trac rear
I would mostly like to go play with the club when able or be able to adventure trails with ratings of 5-6 max
It's not clean by no means so I want to take it out before it gets to nice to take out.
budget wise. I'm broke lol it has taken it all. The most would be 800 if it would be ready to be put in.That would be even better.
But if I have to have it rebuilt I'd be in budget of 300-350 tops.

NP435 for sure. I run one now, and had one in my '72 and they're awesome compared to the stock transmission. The granny first makes a huge difference off road. You could probably get a stock 3 speed for free, but NP435s are cheap as well, and you can likely find a good deal on an adapter with a little searching (or CB.com posting). 435s are almost indestructible and I would feel confident running most used ones. If you're interested I've got a spare NP435 in good shape with the correct output shaft that I'd be willing to part with.

I think digger has one as well he is trying to get rid of with the Dana 20 adapter as well.

Why settle for 3 when you can have 4? or 5? ZF!

3 speeds are good for one thing, impersonating a boat anchor. 435s or T-18s are readily available and are, overall, a better transmission.

Yeah, JD, I used to think the column shift was pretty cool too until I had to pop the butterflies on a regular basis. But when you have to start taking the column apart and fix the shift tube, that sucks.

Thank you bronco brothers. I have got a new project now.