hey guys,
I got my tires and now I need to put the overdrive switch back on. The other one is junk so i need a new one. I was wondering what kind it took, if there is a special one, or if you can just get a simple switch at a hardware store or something? Also, how does it hook up? The last one had two wires hooked up but there seems to be an extra one dangling down from the od unit. Thanks guys!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 31-Oct-02 AT 10:21 PM (EST)]What "switch" are you referring to? Is this a stock OD unit, or is it a later modification from an AOD or something?
If you could describe it, that would help.
Tranny ID would be even better.
I can help you with a T-85N 3speed OD found on Ford trucks. If you aren't sure which one, there are some things you can look for to ID it quickly so we can get you the answers you need.

 

I'm not sure of the kind of transmission except that its just a three speed and used to be the column shifter. I'm pretty sure that it is the original OD unit. Thanks

 

If you're sure it is original, then there are 2 electrical parts mounted on the tranny. The larger on, slanted down toward the ground, is the OD solenoid. It should have 2 wires coming from it. Note that 1 wire is for activate the solenoid and the other is to hold it in via the kickdown circuit.
The second item on the tranny is the governor, mounted high and to the rear; it has 1 wire. It's function is to tell the OD system that the speed is high enough, usually about 30 mph, to engage.
There are several other parts:
The relay, mounted on the firewall, accepts the "go" signal from the governor. It also routes juice to the solenoid, for the 2 wires.
There is a kickdown switch under the accelerator, to temporarily cut out the OD for passing or more power.
There is a wiring setup on the distributor and coil to work in conjunction with the kickdown system.
If the wiring on your truck is still there, I can send you a scanned picture from the original Ford manual, p. 6-41, of the OD logical circuit. (You might want to buy the manual on CD-Rom from this site.)
If the original wiring is not there, I can send you a drawing to show you how to make your own circuits.

 

Check out my gallery now. I put in pics of both homemade and original wiring schematics.

 

Thanks john! That is a big help. I know of the two wires coming from the od selinoid, but have yet to look for the other thing because i have been gone. Thank you again!

 

Okay, i'm back again. the wiring diagram helped a bunch, but as I was crawling around under my truck... I can't find the governor you were talking about. Or at least no wires coming out of anything else but the OD. It is by the way a T-85N b/c I seen it imprinted on the side also. Exactly where is the governor thing located? There are two threads underneath the transmission where two (looks like 1/2") bolts would go about 8 inches apart towards the back? Am I missing something? Thanks again!

 

Contact me off-list so I can send you some pics at banjopicker66(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

John, those pictures helped a bunch but at the same time has me wondering even more. haha. I do have that governor, BUT mine is pointing down instead of up as you said? And there is no wire. Do I have to have a wire and where to connect it? Thank you so much for the help!

 

The governor is required to activate the circuit. It sounds to me as though someone has torn out wires or rearranged things.
Glad you found the governor, though!
It looks to me as though you MAY have a T-85N used by another manufacturer. The T-85Ns were used by GM, Hudson, Nash, (all later AMC products in the '60s), but each manufacturer had their own requirements, but the tranny was essentialy the same.
Use the original wiring diagragm I put up in my gallery to check your wiring circuits out.
It will be a long and time consuming process, but will be WELL worth it if you get your OD up and running properly.
Now, you can still use your truck even if the OD doesn't work, but BE CAREFUL!
These OD trannies have a nasty bite if you leave them in any gear except Reverse. They will ROLL! Leaving it in gear does NOT secure the truck.
Pull the T-handle out, and leave it there, is my best advice, until you get in the habit of leaving it in reverse. That OD handle locks the OD planetaries so it won't roll, but I still recommend you get in the habit of always putting the truck in reverse.
Let me know how it goes!

 

Hey John,
Its me again. I've got some good news...I think. I got the o.d. switched hooked up and it seems to run fine, but I never did get a wire out of the governor thing. My dad said it worked before so try it now and it worked without it . I've been driving it for a week back and forth to school and it cruises nicely at 60-65. Whatever works, works i guess! Thanks again!

P.S. I got pics and i'll have them on here in a few days.