Add-On Overdrive?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2018
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Add-On Overdrive?
About 15 years ago, I had a 61 Econoline truck that my uncle had added overdrive to on a standard 3 on the tree setup. I don't know anything about installing something like that , but wondered if anyone knew whether that type of a thing exists anymore.
I used to have to remove compression in the gears using a lever, then when I got the truck up to a good speed in third gear, I could lift my foot off the accelerator for a second and it would click into the overdrive gear and would have compression again. The extra speed was nice without having the engine revving too high.
Anyway, if anyone knows anything about this type of setup/add-on, let me know. I'd love to get my 63 setup that way.
I used to have to remove compression in the gears using a lever, then when I got the truck up to a good speed in third gear, I could lift my foot off the accelerator for a second and it would click into the overdrive gear and would have compression again. The extra speed was nice without having the engine revving too high.
Anyway, if anyone knows anything about this type of setup/add-on, let me know. I'd love to get my 63 setup that way.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 546
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From: Fayetteville, NC
Don't know of any bolt-on unit. These trucks are geared for hauling a heavy load around town. If you plan to haul a lighter load on the highway, you can drop the rear axle gear ratio. If your 1963 has the 9" rear axle, it is fairly easy to swap out the gears.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 546
Likes: 41
From: Fayetteville, NC
That website does not list an overdrive for a 3-speed manual transmission. They might make one though.
the 1961-1967 Econolines used a short transmission output shaft and a very short driveshaft. Adding an overdrive after the transmission could make the driveshaft so short you might have problems with your U joints.
the 1961-1967 Econolines used a short transmission output shaft and a very short driveshaft. Adding an overdrive after the transmission could make the driveshaft so short you might have problems with your U joints.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
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Borg Warner 3 speeds used in ford cars and light trucks had an od unit that attached to the transmission. I am not sure it was an econoline option. But could probably have been added even if it was not an OEM offering. What transmission does your '63 have?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2018
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Well, I have a manual 3 on the tree, but as far as anything more specific than that, I don't know. I'd love to add an overdrive for less than the $3,000 + that the Honey-O-Drive and Gear Vendors charges. If you need more specific info on the transmission, let me know how to find it and I'll see what I can do.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
... hmmph ... 170 ...1st gear isn't syncro?
I was going to suggest a 3/S T-85 O/D.
No idea of what your dad did? I would like to know myself.
Sorry ...
I was going to suggest a 3/S T-85 O/D.
No idea of what your dad did? I would like to know myself.
Sorry ...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
I DID NOT KNOW THIS!
There is an out!
Read This and all referring URL's - Ford In-line 6 Cylinder Bell Housing Identification - Modern Driveline
I never fooled with 6's much.
Read This and all referring URL's - Ford In-line 6 Cylinder Bell Housing Identification - Modern Driveline
I never fooled with 6's much.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
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From: south louisiana
That's probably what his uncle used. But I doubt it will fit the 63's bell. Be an easy cheap conversion even today if it did. Just got to find one first. Then maybe shorten the driveshaft. The OD was electrically activated on those.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
OK .... Early morning and nothing better to do ...
There was a 63/64 FAIRLANE 170 that came though with a 3.03 3/S.
The bell was unique - Casting I.D. - C3OA 6394-B - Service PN C3OZ 6392-B
Flywheel - C2OZ 6375-D (160T) - Takes 9 1/2" Clutch
So if it will take a 3.03, it will also take the 3/S WARNER OD or even better yet, the later TOPLOADER F/4/OD as a money saver over a T5 conversion.
I bet this is what the father did W/3/SOD and maybe instead of an OD cable used some kind of make-shift lever (maybe).
This is for anyone that is looking for this info in the future.