Overdrive Transmission conversion
New User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1
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Overdrive Transmission conversion
Have a 1979 F-150, 460 cu v8, auto. Bought the truck new in 1979 and still in great shape and low mileage. However, can no longer afford the gas consumption (8 mpg) and can't buy a new one. Is there a chance another transmission with an overdrive would bolt up? Maybe a newer year or different Ford model? I'm looking for something I can locate in a parts yard cheap and change over my self with my limited mechanical experience. Help please. Tired of dollars dripping from my tailpipe! Still need the big motor for towing.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
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Overdrive Transmission conversion
You might be able to find an overdrive tranny from a late 80's or early 90's F series 460 that isn't computer controlled, however even if you figure something that will work, the wrecking yard is going to want a small fortune, and if you decide to have it rebuilt that will cost another small fortune. Or GearVendors sells an over/underdrive that bolts behind your existing tansmission to give it an economy setting (overdrive) or power setting (underdrive). They are sold to a lot of RV'ers. They cost a little over 2000.00. But I hear they work great. You might go to the 80-96 forum and ask what might have been availible behind a 460. I know there were AOD overdrive auto's that are not computer controlled and AODE that are but in cars not trucks and a E40DE (?) that is a heavy duty overdrive used in pickups. Your cheapest route is probably to either just buy a more modern truck or the Gear vendors attachment.
BBT
BBT
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Overdrive Transmission conversion
MD, Big horses need a lot of hay. It's kinda ironic with all the touting of the wonderful 460 in the last few days that you come along, and can't keep yours up. With the price of gas going up like it has for the last few days, I know it hurts even more.
For what you will have to spend for relief, I suspect you could buy a used car to use as a daily driver that gets 30 mpg. It will make the testostorone rush that much bigger when you get that big horse running.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
For what you will have to spend for relief, I suspect you could buy a used car to use as a daily driver that gets 30 mpg. It will make the testostorone rush that much bigger when you get that big horse running.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
Overdrive Transmission conversion
From what I know, (which is some, but not everything) Ford used the C6 tranny untill they switched to an electronic overdrive transmission. Therefore your pretty much stuck with the C6 or the Gear Vendors unit, unless someone out there has a electronics kit to mate the OD tranny.
Matt
Matt
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Overdrive Transmission conversion
i went through the same thing you are. i checked with a local tranny shop. he told me anything is possible and he would do it if i wanted but it would cost a lot of money. he told me you can buy a lot of gas for $1000.00 and the job would cost more than that.
he told me, the best thing to do is put taller wheels on it or a taller gear in the rearend.
i like the advice above, get a little metro and save a lot of gas money. then, when you drive you truck you'll really feel the rush.
he told me, the best thing to do is put taller wheels on it or a taller gear in the rearend.
i like the advice above, get a little metro and save a lot of gas money. then, when you drive you truck you'll really feel the rush.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Overdrive Transmission conversion
I agree, get a small car for running around in. But if you want to spend the money checkout this site. www.baumannengineering.com
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,899
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From: Cullman Alabama
Overdrive Transmission conversion
Gear Vendors has an overdrive for the C-6 too. I think I heard someone say it was a two speed and could be split, one over and one under, to help with the towing. It wont make that much difference in your milage. I'm curious about your milage. Are you pulling or carrying a great load?I thought you should be getting 10 or 11 MPG. Carb and Plugs,Cap and wires in good shape? Tires up to right pressure? Shock's good? Oil changed? all those thing's can affect your milage.
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