Guys, I'm new to this forum, but not new to the internet or to '66 F-100s. I've had my '66 Custom Cab, LWB 352 2V T-85N 3 spd OD since '82, when I got it with 66K on it. It needs a lot of work, and is almost rust free, except for the floor boards where the windshield leaked. Here's my first question: I am considering replacing the 352 and OD with a 390 and C-6. I can get Kevin Marti to re-do the tag (which it needs any, since my Dad replaced the door when he whacked it, but didn't keep the original tag), so other than that, is it a good idea? The motor needs replacing, the tranny is so-so, but I don't like to make un-authorized, so to speak, changes. I made the mistake in '83 of CUTTING out the dash to put in a larger AM-FM radio, and have come to regret it. So, with that in mind, I would like your thoughts on this: Is the 3 speed OD rare in the F series, and therefore, worth keeping? I can get a rebuilt T-85N for about $800, plus shipping, so either it or a C-6, the cost will be the same.

 

Rare? Not sure but i'm looking to buy one my self so let me know.

Tony

 

Tony: I've never seen another F-100 with the overdrive tranny, and everyone I have ever talked to has never seen one either, even though it is in the books. The tranny isn't rare, and can come out of a '55-'66 car, Chevy, Dodge, Hudson, Nash etc. I've seen 'em in all of them, and more, but never in an F-100.
The heavy duty version is slightly different, though, and used only in the heavier cars and light trucks. The identifiable difference is in the tail casting number. Light duty is R-10, and heavy is R-11. R-11 is bigger, and heavier duty, both in the casting, as well as the bearings and steel quality used in the cage and planetaries of the overdrive section. There's a place in CA that will rebuild them.
So, are ODs in '66 F-100s rare or not? That's the question I need to answer, to either keep it the same, or convert to automatic, and re-do the VIN door plate to reflect it.
Thanks for the post!

 

i have a 66 with three speep od, r-11. one of my selinods on the fire wall went out a few years ago and i have not been able to replace it because it has been near to impossible to find the part.

empty it used to pull 15 mpg and with a loaded 16' camp trailer 12 to 13mpg and with a strong 352 i didn't have to down shift on hills so, it is a nice tranny, kick it out when coming back down though, those drums don't hold a hill at all, i forgot it free wheels and had a great ride with the worn out king pins. i replaced those the next week.

 

The relay on the firewall? Almost any relay for the overdrive, from GM, AMC, Nash, Hudson, and all the others will work. They are frequently on E-Bay. Us this seach string in the E-Bay motors/parts and accessories section: overdrive -volvo -mg -mgb -jaguar -Triumph You can copy this direct and it will work. Try it!
Here's one now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1825884216
And another: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1825959112

Good Luck!

 

 

One of my 65's came with the 3 speed overdrive. I removed it, but still have the thing on the firewall. If you want it, it's yours. Just let me know where to send it, and pay for the shipping. It's been taking up room and doing nothing for about ten years.

 

Sure, I'll take it off your hands! My email is banjopicker66(No Email Addresses In Posts!).
Please respond, and I'll send you the money.

 

I parted out a 66 that had a 352 with the overdrive transmission. The truck had almost 400,000 miles on it and the original owner and his mechanic swore that the heads had never been off the truck. Between all the highway miles and the overdrive, this truck racked up 400,000 all before 1982! By the time I got it, it had actually sat longer than it ran. Was a good combination in this case.