Overdrive, where are they?
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 92
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From: Tennessee
Overdrive, where are they?
After making a trip to Texas and back at the (mind numbing) top speed of 65mph I started to wonder why I've never come across one of the old overdrive units before. I know they're around somewhere because I've seen the nos and repro cables for them in a major parts catalog.
Questions here, were these original Ford units, dealer add-ons? Were they like the splitters used on the old F-600 700's? If I ever happen to stumble across one what would be involved in putting it on my 67 swb f100 truck.
Actually I love my engine/rear gear combo around town, but there's times when you'd really like/need to pass an overloaded Escort wagon on the interstate without blowing six jagged holes through the hood....
BTW, I have the 240, three on the tree and the 4:10 granny in back.
Steve
Questions here, were these original Ford units, dealer add-ons? Were they like the splitters used on the old F-600 700's? If I ever happen to stumble across one what would be involved in putting it on my 67 swb f100 truck.
Actually I love my engine/rear gear combo around town, but there's times when you'd really like/need to pass an overloaded Escort wagon on the interstate without blowing six jagged holes through the hood....
BTW, I have the 240, three on the tree and the 4:10 granny in back.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 455
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Steve, These were factory units. I think the designation was a T85 Borg warner. It is a three speed trans with an overdrive unit built into the tailshaft. They came in the half tons up until 72. They were forced out because the trucks could roll if you forgot to lockout the overdrive (the cable you've seen) or set the parking brake. The trans code for these trucks was B. You could install one of these trannies in you're truck pretty easily I'd imagine. I understand they have a bit of relays and such but that some people eliminate much of this and wire it as a gear splitter. I've been reading up on these since I've bought my 71 that has one. I didn't realize they'd used them that late. Supposedly they're basically the same as what was run through the 50's and 60's. The last of them being the strongest. Hope I've been some help.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Run a search in the '61 - '66 forum. I had the T-85N overdrive, and did quite a bit of posting on it. The posts are still available.
If you have a 3 speed now, you SHOULD be able to mount the OD right up.
If you find one in a boneyard, be sure to get the wiring harness and relays under the hood, as well as the kickdown switch under the accelerator pedal, and the overdrive handle.
If you have a 3 speed now, you SHOULD be able to mount the OD right up.
If you find one in a boneyard, be sure to get the wiring harness and relays under the hood, as well as the kickdown switch under the accelerator pedal, and the overdrive handle.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 119
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From: Crosby, TX
Check out this site:
http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...over/drive.htm
Incredible info on these cool transmissions.
http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...over/drive.htm
Incredible info on these cool transmissions.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Hello, Carl! It is good to see you are still on this board. Thank you for your very kind comment, also.
If you go to the very fine link Chris posted, you can see the closeups of the OD housing, which bolts onto the backside of the transmission.
Notice the casting number; it is R-10.
This is the light duty OD.
If possible, get a T-85N with the R-11 OD casting. It is much stronger and more robust.
The R-10 was used in cars and some trucks, but the R-11 was used only in trucks (at least as far as I have been able to determine.)
Good luck on your search!
If you go to the very fine link Chris posted, you can see the closeups of the OD housing, which bolts onto the backside of the transmission.
Notice the casting number; it is R-10.
This is the light duty OD.
If possible, get a T-85N with the R-11 OD casting. It is much stronger and more robust.
The R-10 was used in cars and some trucks, but the R-11 was used only in trucks (at least as far as I have been able to determine.)
Good luck on your search!
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Tennessee
Thanks folks for everything you've posted. I was totally clueless about these overdrives when I first asked, but now I have something really solid to go on. The great info and the link are very much appreciated.
Thanks again!
Steve
Thanks again!
Steve