Boy did this discussion get out of hand!

Assuming you are talking about a Truck (56 Ford), thre are differences between a '56 Truck and Passenger gar as regards an Overdrive Transmission or a three speed transmission less overdrive. This is because the Truck bellhousing is also the rear engine mount, and the input shaft of the truck transmissions has a 1 3/8" spline instead of the 1 1/8" spline of the passenger car. All three speeds in this year range (56-60) use the Borg Warner transmission bolt pattern which uses one offset bolt on the right bottom.

If you wanted to use the 240 or 300 6 cyl with a passenger car overdrive in a F-100 truck, you can easily do it by using the entire combination in the truck with passenger car engine mounts and the conventional passenger transmission mount pad. This eliminates the truck bellhousing and mounts entirely. This is an easy thing to do with crossmember mounted engine mount accessories. This would be a very easy conversion and would involve a clutch linkage adaption only. Adding overdrive to a truck (since a '56 Truck is 12V) involves adding an overdrive relay, a kickdown switch, a manual lockout cable, and all these parts can be taken off the '65 vehicle.

Not to get bogged down with the T-85/T-86 differences, both were "side shift" transmissions shifted by column linkage. One of them was a "top loader", but that only meant that the parts loaded from the top. It did not mean that it was a floor shift, which, of course, it wasn't. Any side shift transmission can use aftermarket transmission mounted shifters instead of column linkage for floor shifting.

Your idea of using the entire package is a good one. In these days of high energy prices, a 6 cylinder with overdrive is a very smart idea. Gas will be back to $4 a gallon soon enough.

Regards,

Alan

 

I hate to jump late into this conversation but here goes. . . I am working on a 57 Ford F-100, SWB, powered by a 272 Y-block. Originally it came with an overdrive unit, which has been replaced but a 3-speed standard transmission. I would like to restore the truck back to original. I need another gear for highway driving.

my questions; what type of manual 3-speed with overdrive will bolt up to my Y-block? Where can I find one? Would this be a good time to consider moving into a 4-speed toploader adding a floor shift?

Thanks for any input here.

 

You need the T-85, since yours is a 57+. Being that mine is a 56,I need the T-86.

I am still looking for one.

Good luck.

P.S--Correct me if I'm wrong, all.

 

Here is a little more fuel for the fire. Some of the 240/300 three speeds ( "3.03"s ) are factory double drilled and WILL fit both early and late bell housings. I have a "3.03" (top loader / non overdrive) out in the shop that I took off an FE motor in a '69 F250. It will also fit the 57 bell on the 292 over in the corner. I also have a 61 F100 HD three speed (side loader / non overdrive) that is only drilled for the Y bell. Tom

 

OK, it seems finding an original type 3-speed with overdrive is next to impossible. So I suppose the next step is to look for a possible bolt up 4-speed with overdrive. Does anyone know what transmission type and year I can look for that will work with a '57 Y-block 272 for a light duty F-100?

I know about the confusion of the T-5 and the expense to adapt over. . too pricey for me.

Any suggestions, you all?

 

Got a question for ya. I got a 54 ford f100 with the original 223 and a T87-D behind it. I want an overdrive to bolt on behind my T87-D. What kind do I look for and what would it be in if i was to look in a junkyard.
best regards,
Sam

 

OK all, I put in the last order of parts that I think I need, but it didn't go through, so before I put it in again, I am going to ask what IU should have ask you all before I did it in the first place

I was told by everyone here that it'd be a good idea to replace my transmissions input shaft gasket before reinstalling all that stuff, but all I could find was a gasket set. What I need is for someone to look at the picture they provide and make sure tha gasket I need is in that set. I have a "3-std", 3 on the tree for my 56 ford(as many of you know, hehehehe).

Here is the link, it is obviously the top one, the gasket set.: http://www.vintageford.com/sect_sear...ssion-%20Parts

Thank you all so much for this. I'm almost through! When this part get's in, I'll be completely ready for the reinstallation.

 

I know I'm catching an old thread...But I have the same trans (side loader) minus the OD in my 56 F100 and would like to have the OD version (as my VIN plate says it came with). Now if that is not what came in the truck, WHAT did come in it? The plate says 3 spd OD. Which trans with OD will bolt right in? I'd just like the motor to last longer in front of 3.92 gears. I use the truck in parades and cruise too so would like to retain the Dana 44 as is. Have seen in one place my trans is a Ford 259 and were very common with and without OD as a light duty trans. I have seen several for cars but I know the input shaft is different. Any help is appreciated. HM

 

Just knowing what will bolt up to the truck's bellhousing would be a great help and save a lot of consternation. At least then I would know what to ask for. I have even considered scrapping the idea and getting John Mummerts aluminum bell and installing a C-4 and then re-gearing the Dana 44 or change it out to a 9 inch in a better ratio for cruising. Again the main thing is saving the engine and gasoline. HM

 

Sometimes tacking on to an old thread doesn’t get you the response that you would like, ............you might consider starting a new thread with your question as a heading?

 

Thanks, I have done so. 3 speed Overdrive, 56 F100, 272 V8
hmd_56

 

Hi guys please help me do not know much about transmission. Working on 56 f100 3 speed on colum. Doing frame off restoration trying. To rebuilt engine and tranny but do not know where to get parts or if there is any place to get it rebuilt engine found a place and all the parts but no luck with tranny I'm in Los Angeles area thanks

 

Rover, When I rebuilt mine I purchased parts from <cite>www.vanpeltsales.com.
Mac Vanpelt is a very helpful guy and a valuable resource for these transmissions.
</cite>

 

I hope you can answer my question. I am restoring my uncle's 1963 f100 that he bought new. It has the standard 223 6 cylinder. I want to put a 4 speed manual transmission so I can get a lower gear. The 3 speed just seems to be geared too high in first for creeping around on my property. Do you know what my options are? The rear is 3.89.

 

Man, that has to be a first! Someone who wants LOWER gears!

Any of the stock 4-sp's for your year will give you a granny 1st, sounds like what you're after.