OK everyone, the question is simple, but the answer seems not to be so.

I simply want to know how tough the T-86 is when it comes to utility compared to the 3-spd "Medium duty" trans that I have now. Why I ask is that the T-86 is called "light duty" and my trans is dubbed Medium.

This truck is not going to be a show truck, it is going to be used for utility--hauling stuff in the back, hauling small and light trailers possibly. The utility of this truck is already little enough by todays standards, I don't want to lower it anymore with an even weaker trans.(Even though I already have the complete setup sitting in my garage)

How much "weaker" is the "light duty" trans than the "medium duty"?

Thanks everyone.

 

Well, I've seen everything from 283 Chevs to nailhead Buicks bolted up to them. If you aren't slamming the gears, or constantly burning rubber, it's pretty darn stout. You have a 223, don't you? I don't think you could hurt it. Your clutch is probably weaker.

 

^Yes the 223, ok, that was basically the answer I was hoping for. Thank you albuq

 

I've got a T86 sitting on the bench with two busted teeth on the cluster gear. This one also spent it's life behind a 223. However, it also lived on a farm where the rules for loading the back end consisted of "pile it on as high as you can reach, we're not going that far". So popping the clutch with over a ton of grain on it might cause some damage. Otherwise, normal use and not "abuse", you should be fine!

 

So it's safe to say these transmissions aren't exactly made of wood, ok.

(I have never driven this truck(still). Let's get that out of the way.)


The one issue I think I'll have is the lack of a synchro in first, and that I can't haul big loads since the 1st gear is so high. Man I wish I could afford to swap in a Clark OD right now........man that'd be perfect.

 

As long as you drive it like a working Truck hauling a load it will do fine - Don't dump the clutch, don't pull Mt McKinley on O.D.
Both Borg Warner unit are good solid pieces.

 

What do you mean, "haul big loads"? The T86 will be up to full rated load, i.e., 1/2 ton in the bed, or pulling maybe 3,000 lb trailer. The stock truck is a system, well thought-out. Brakes, trans, engine, running gear are all in harmony with the rated duty. If you need to carry more, you need a bigger truck. The trans isn't the only limiting factor to load capacity.

 

^To be honest, that is much more than I thought! A big load to me is something like hauling 1500-2000lbs. I probably won't ever even do that. Maybe bags of cement here, load of dirt there, plywood here, a V8 engine and a transmission there.

Nothing BIG, just petty chores. I just wasn't sure what these T-86's were built for. Cruising or actual work.

This is great, this trans isn't even close to installation and it's already exceeding my expectations!




Dumping the clutch has been said two times in this thread......I can't believe anyone would ever attempt to drop the clutch on a I-6 50 year old truck............. What a stupid idea. I mean with a muscle car.....ok...but a 120hp '56 ford?

 

When these Trucks were newer they were usually loaded to the point that the tires were almost flat or you could turn the steering wheel with one finger.
It was "Common" knowledge that Ford built extra capacity into these vehicles.
The baseline 48 F1 had a payload of about 750lbs and with bigger tires that about doubled.

 

^And they wonder why these trucks are still around today.....

 

My Father's advice was" be careful not to squat the tires to much", there was never any mention of being careful of anything else on any of the Ford trucks we had! The bodies would rot out up here in the country side of NY but you seldom heard of one breaking up from being overloaded, unless the salt had eaten the spring brackets as well!

 

Gosh dangit, this thread is just making me wish that damn truck ran even more.