oVerdrive transmission
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 34
From: S/W Virginia
oVerdrive transmission
i have located a 3 speed overdrive tranny out of a later model ford i can buy, but I measured it and it is shorter than my original 3speed. Can i just cut my driveshaft in two and shorten it a little or what. also, there is a 68 truck sitting on a car lot here that has a factory overdrive. the one with the lever under the dash. is this worth anything?? the truck is for sale for $600.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 542
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From: Middleton, WI
oVerdrive transmission
Yes you can shorten the driveshaft. Gets done all the time if changing trans. If going to C6, AOD, etc. you send drive shaft to machine shop with a dimension you want it to be.
As for buying a truck for $600. ? That depends on if you want it or not and for waht, could probably part out and get $1200. - could fix up, or you could ?
As for buying a truck for $600. ? That depends on if you want it or not and for waht, could probably part out and get $1200. - could fix up, or you could ?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Texas, just south of NY c
oVerdrive transmission
I think the tranny will be a Warner T-85 N . There are 2 different OD units
1) the regular unit, and then there is a HDuty unit...it can be identified by "R-11", on the outside of the case . The wiring diagram for these units is alittle complex , but it has been published on this website in the last year or so.. Somebody has fairly extensive knowledge of these units but i just don't remember their identity. Maybe they will showup if need be. sk
1) the regular unit, and then there is a HDuty unit...it can be identified by "R-11", on the outside of the case . The wiring diagram for these units is alittle complex , but it has been published on this website in the last year or so.. Somebody has fairly extensive knowledge of these units but i just don't remember their identity. Maybe they will showup if need be. sk
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
oVerdrive transmission
The electric overdrive transmission is indeed a T-85N, if it is factory original in a truck. '72 was the last year it was available, by law. It has a quirk that can have potentially fatal consequences if it isn't properly handled.
The OD makes no difference in value any more, but you will get better gas mileage.
I have had my truck with a T-85N OD for over 20 years now, and really like it. I don't use it for heavy hauling or towing, but it gets about 18 mpg empty at 70 mph.
Run a search for my name on the '61 - '66 forum as well as this one. I'll be very glad to answer any questions you may have.
The OD makes no difference in value any more, but you will get better gas mileage.
I have had my truck with a T-85N OD for over 20 years now, and really like it. I don't use it for heavy hauling or towing, but it gets about 18 mpg empty at 70 mph.
Run a search for my name on the '61 - '66 forum as well as this one. I'll be very glad to answer any questions you may have.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
oVerdrive transmission
You need to be aware of a couple of things before cutting your driveshaft for the OD transmission.
First, there are 2 styles of end shafts for these overdrives. One type is for the lighter duty car transmission (this one was used in many Ford and other trucks as well, up to '64); it is splined to slip into the back of the transmission just like an automatic transmission. The other type (The T-85N is this type) has a fixed tailshaft, with the driveline U-joint bolting directly to the end of the transmission tailshaft.
All fo this means that if you use the T-85N, you MUST have a splined slipjoint in your driveline somewhere.
Trucks with the T-85N from the factory have a two piece driveshaft. The front shaft is held to the frame with a carrier bearing, and the second half floats.
In other words, you cannot use a single piece driveshaft.
First, there are 2 styles of end shafts for these overdrives. One type is for the lighter duty car transmission (this one was used in many Ford and other trucks as well, up to '64); it is splined to slip into the back of the transmission just like an automatic transmission. The other type (The T-85N is this type) has a fixed tailshaft, with the driveline U-joint bolting directly to the end of the transmission tailshaft.
All fo this means that if you use the T-85N, you MUST have a splined slipjoint in your driveline somewhere.
Trucks with the T-85N from the factory have a two piece driveshaft. The front shaft is held to the frame with a carrier bearing, and the second half floats.
In other words, you cannot use a single piece driveshaft.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
oVerdrive transmission
Well if that truck was setting around here for 600, I would be scraping together the dough unless it was a total POS. I think in the day and age where everyone wants overdrive of some sort these great old units seem to be forgotten. But my bet is they will become popular again. As soon as people realize they exist anyway. I have a T-85N in my parts stash just waiting for a home. Unless I come up with a 3 speed pickup this year it will go into my 64 galaxie.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 34
From: S/W Virginia
oVerdrive transmission
thanks for the info, as for the truck, it is pretty good truck. not much rust at all, but been painted witha brush though, its very roadworthy though, since its on a car lot. i might buy it, not sure.