GETTING OVERDRIVE
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
GETTING OVERDRIVE
I wanted to throw out to the forum an alternative to those with older 300's who are considering an overdrive trans like a ZF. I've found an alternative that I'd like to share: The Borg Warner overdrive. Ford installed it on trucks from late 60's to early 70's. It is a manual three speed that gives you two speeds in each gear, with a 27% reduction in rpm's.
It's time tested reputation is that it is tough and durable. I'm looking forward to trying it.
It's time tested reputation is that it is tough and durable. I'm looking forward to trying it.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 70
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From: Long Beach, CA
I assume you're referring to the Borg Warner T-85 cable operated overdrive? Last I checked they were VERY hard to find parts for. Kind of an odd duck. My first truck was a 71 F100 with a 390 and the T-85. Pulling the cable was cool...and it got some fantastic mileage.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
Sounds like a really cool idea.
Another one I've always been interested in was New Process' 5 speed, the NP-540 (O). There were two variants and one was with overdrive (the other still topped out at a 1:1).
Again, though, just really hard to come by.
Another one I've always been interested in was New Process' 5 speed, the NP-540 (O). There were two variants and one was with overdrive (the other still topped out at a 1:1).
Again, though, just really hard to come by.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 70
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From: Long Beach, CA
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
You guys raised some issues to consider, and parts availability is a good one. I have managed to dig up a couple of suppliers. What I like is that the bell housing in changeable and the unit has an excellent reputation. It is also adaptable to a T-10 four speed trans.
I'm more than slightly electronically challenged, so a used Gear Vendor unit intimidated me. I have a chance to buy the B/W od with the T-85 for $300. But I need all the pedals to convert to manual, and a clutch system. I'm not certain I will do it.
Oh, and if you think these are hard to come by, I've looked for 2 years now for a small block 2X4 ZF, and only found one on ebay, 2k miles away, with untold miles on it. I want more of an idea of the condition of the trans than having a j/y pull the cover and look inside and tell you, 'yep, it all looks good.'
Finding a good one is the key.
I'm more than slightly electronically challenged, so a used Gear Vendor unit intimidated me. I have a chance to buy the B/W od with the T-85 for $300. But I need all the pedals to convert to manual, and a clutch system. I'm not certain I will do it.
Oh, and if you think these are hard to come by, I've looked for 2 years now for a small block 2X4 ZF, and only found one on ebay, 2k miles away, with untold miles on it. I want more of an idea of the condition of the trans than having a j/y pull the cover and look inside and tell you, 'yep, it all looks good.'
Finding a good one is the key.
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Funny you mention a good 2wd zf5...How's 89k from.factory sound to you? I have a 4x4 truck and it came packaged together with a bunch of parts. Shipping is 200$ to anywhere in the states. I'm in the east coast north or south always going around between Michigan and Florida but stay in the Carolinas.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Long Beach, CA
It's not that hard to find a small block ZF. I have a few 2wd ones that I bought on EBAY for $150 as cores. Then you get it rebuilt or rebuild it yourself. They're worth the extra expense. You want to look for the 87-91 version with the speedo cable drive.
Then there's the M5R2. I don't care about the naysayers. Plenty of people are using these with great success behind the 4bt Cummins. If you don't tow a huge load, they last forever. Same deal here with the speedo drive.
I think these options are much better than dealing with some outdated overdrives with hard to find parts or the weak gear vendors.
Then there's the M5R2. I don't care about the naysayers. Plenty of people are using these with great success behind the 4bt Cummins. If you don't tow a huge load, they last forever. Same deal here with the speedo drive.
I think these options are much better than dealing with some outdated overdrives with hard to find parts or the weak gear vendors.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
I looked at the OD unit. I really want it but rational thinking has made me drop the project. The girlfriend threatening to disown me had nothing to do with it. It is too old, parts too rare, history of the unit too murky, etc.
Besides, I'm working with flying fingers on three books, and two got a deadline. One is on the dreaded Quadrajet, post '75 models. Half the time I don't know what day it is.
Besides, I'm working with flying fingers on three books, and two got a deadline. One is on the dreaded Quadrajet, post '75 models. Half the time I don't know what day it is.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
Hello, I was always interested in that carb but never learned the first thing about them. Didn't holley make them during the gas crunch in 74? I would take a guess and say that you'd be happier with a 4160, either in the 450 or 465 cfm size. The 4160 is abundant and inexpensive and even McDonalds sells parts for them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: South central, Minnesota
If you want an OD unit check out Advance Adapters Ranger OD unit. Not cheap ( just over $1500 ) but it is a tough unit. It bolts in between the bell housing and transmission. It does add another floor shifter. Some guys like that others don't. But I'd take one of these over a gear vendors any day.
Like I said it's not cheap but it lets you use your existing bell housing and transmission. But you would need to have your driveshaft shortened.
It's not for everybody, but it's another option.
Like I said it's not cheap but it lets you use your existing bell housing and transmission. But you would need to have your driveshaft shortened.
It's not for everybody, but it's another option.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
The only thing I'll throw in (for the sake of people doing future searches), is that the Advanced Adapters / Gear Vendor units won't work on Broncos since they're already so short. Not that that applies to you, K.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: South central, Minnesota
But I still want one for my 89 E350!
