Howdy,
I'm looking to buy a 1965 Ford F100. The link below is to a 65 with a 3 speed column shift transmission with overdrive. Does he mean this is a four speed column shift? Thanks.

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/2868459163.html

 

I don't know the the question may be moot since the listing's been pulled.

 

No, it is not a 4 speed on the column. The overdrive is after the normal transmission, and it is actuated via a solenoid, and a cable actuator on the dash.

 

The cable actually just locks out the overdrive and it actually overdrives each gear

 

So it's ACTUALLY a 6 Speed overdrive transmission

 

Technically, yes, but the difference between each gear would be so tight you would feel like you were shifting every second. Plus, if you start out in 1OD you would be too high, and dog away from a stop. If you start in 1 then shift OD the second would be too close and you the next shift would happen really tight. After that it would seem more normal. For normal feel you shift 1-2-3-3OD. I learned all this driving a 1.5 ton dump truck with a 2 speed rear end when I was a kid. It was a weird truck. 1.5 ton single axle truck with a small block V8 under the hood. It looked like an F100 with a motorcycle engine in it.

I wish someone made a 3rd member for a 9 inch that was 2 speed, I would get one in a second. The OD on the highway would be nice in my 240/3 speed setup.

 

Warner T-85N overdrive was offered as an option on 1965/71 F100's. The 1965 F100 I purchased new came with it.

T-85N: There is no 1st gear syncro (like the standard equipment Ford type 3.03 3 speed M/T has). You have to double clutch into 1st, or risk grinding the gear, maybe chipping off a tooth in the process. Not pleasant!

Bum: The T-85N does not operate like the two speed rear axles found in 500 and larger trucks. It's cable controlled via a relay, kickdown switch, governor and solenoid.

The O/D does not make the trans a 6 speed, because you cannot start out in O/D. Usually you will have only 3rd gear O/D unless you can get 2nd gear up to the required speed that the O/D kicks in.

When engaged, you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal and then the O/D kicks in .. usually between 30-35 MPH. You can feel (possibly hear an audible CLUNK) when the O/D kicks in.

Punch the pedal after 35 MPH, O/D kicks out (via the kickdown switch mounted behind the pedal), acts like an A/T passing gear. To re-engage, lift you foot off the pedal.

When slowing down to less than 30-35 MPH, the O/D automatically kicks out. Then when taking off, the process is repeated, lift your foot off the pedal, the O/D kicks in at about 30-35 MPH.

Besides the kickdown switch, on either side of the O/D unit is the solenoid and governor. There's an O/D relay mounted on the firewall. The O/D cable mounts under the dash, to the left of the steering column.

Note: ALL these parts are obsolete, very hard to find. NOS O/D relay is non existant!

Be aware that when in O/D, engine braking is about nil. This is the reason why these types of O/D units were banned by the NHTSA after 1971.

 

I knew it wasn't a 6 speed, I was kidding. I DIDN'T know it was electro-mechanically controlled so that it wouldn't kick in until 35 MPH. I That's cool. Why would the NHTSA care about engine braking? Heck the automatic cars from the mid to late 70's would practically free wheel we you lifted off the gas to try and save gas after the 70's gas crunch.

 

Love the tranny... It will go into OD in 1st I think the speed was 28 MPH for me, maybe my Speedometer was out but I usually just drove by my the TACH and sound of the motor anyway... If anyone has any info on how to get 1st to Sync I'd be all ears for the info.

Speed Limits are for guys that don't DRIVE FORDS !!!!

 

Standard equipment Ford type 3.03 3 speed manual is an all syncromesh trans, but was not available with O/D

Optional Warner T-85N is a 3 speed manual with O/D, but does not have a syncro 1st gear.

It may be possible while slowing down to 5-10 MPH, to slip the gear shift into 1st without grinding. Otherwise you have to double clutch into 1st.

Personally I would not suggest attempting to attain O/D in first gear, as revving the engine that high to attain the necessary speed for the O/D to kick in, could blow the engine.

 

NumberDummy, I know this is an old post but I just bought a 1966 F100 with this crazy 3 speed overdrive that does not work.

I think it was installed in the truck by the previous owner and parts are missing. There is no OD cable under the dash. Will a stock Ford 3 speed replace this transmission? Will I have to change shifter linkage, driveshaft, , speedo cable, etc...?

Thanks

 

The driveshaft will be a different length. On my 65 F100 with 8' bed and 3 O/D, it had a two piece driveshaft with 3 U-joints.

If the TRANS code stamped on the Warranty Plate is B = Warner T-85N 3 speed overdrive.

If the TRANS code is C = Ford type 3.03 3 speed all syncro trans.

Note with 3.03 trans: TRANS code A was used 1963/65 .. TRANS code C was used 1966/79.

 

Its T-85. My question is, if I replace it with a 3.03 will I have to change bellhousing and clutch? I can tell by looking the drive shaft will need to be replaced.

Thanks

 

I know it has a T-85 now .. but the reason I gave you the Warranty Plate TRANS codes was so you could see what trans was original.

What engine does your truck have? Do you know if it's the original, or was it also swapped?

 

Sorry, according to the warranty plate it had a C transmission and a 352. Now has 390 and T-85.