Hi gang;

Thanks for the help on my last thread, involving stabbing my rebuilt motor. Truck is running great!!

I am thinking about ditching my T85 Borg Warner overdrive unit. The solenoid is busted and first gear is sounding, well, rowdy. I'd love to keep this transmission and get the overdrive working, but it's my daily driver.

I'm interested in all options. I know I can't just grab a T5 out of an '89 mustang, as much as I'd like to. I would prefer to keep it a manual, but don't want to have to add hydraulics. Basically, what's cheap, easy and functional?

I'm looking for factory swaps, including a 3 speed (303?) unit, auto (C4?), late model, overdrive, whatever.

So, what are issues with swapping out? Driveshaft is my biggest concern, since this has the overdrive unit...

Truck is a '69 F100, 2WD, mild modified FE 390.

 

I think the 3 speed is a direct swap out. You will loose overdrive. Maybe have to shorten the driveshaft.

 

A short-shaft Tremec TKO-500 will bolt right up to your bell.

Dunno about the driveshaft length but when I swapped from a NP435 to the TKO, I used a C6 coupling shaft (longbed spec) cuz the TKO is only one inch longer.

Contact Bruce at Modern Driveline for a complete set up... it'll run about $2,800.

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A TKO is perfect to replace a 3 speed -+OD

 

That's sounds like a great option, but definitely on the higher end.

Let me restate the question:

If my current setup fails and I need to do a quick swap, the standard 3-speed is a direct tranny swap? I would think my drive shaft would be shorter because of the overdrive unit.

 

Yes this is true

 

I would keep the O/D in there and try to have it repaired. there are parts out there. I have looked because I run the same drivetrain. Drivetrain.com has rebuild kits

 

With just about any swap there is going to be driveshaft issues. Either get the driveshaft out of the same donor that the tranny came out of or take your existing driveshaft to a local driveshaft company. They can either cut it shorter and weld it back together or re-tube it with a longer tube.