Now I know this has been touched on in the past but here we go again.



I got a lead on two ford 3 speed OD trannys.
One is from a 1952, 215CID powered car, Which I assume is a T86 OD.
The other is from a 1950 ford sedan with a flathead V8. I typed it into the flathead forum but was hoping for another one of NumberDummys great fact sheets. Though anyone with good revelant info please speak up. I did some searching and understand that the T85 works behind the 240/300 and FE engines. And the T86 is for the 223/292 engines.

My question is, Whats this flat head OD good for? Will it work for my 292 or is it a whole different beast?

 

Both trannies are T-86 O/D's. The flathead O/D will not work behind a Y Block...the 1952 tranny is also 6 volt. 1956 was the first year for 12 volt.

You will also need the apropos overdrive relay, wiring harness, O/D cable and the kickdown switch. The driveshaft is different.

* 1941/51 Lincoln / 1956/63 Studebaker 8R trucks & 1956 Golden Hawk / 1955/56: Packard, V8 Nashes and Hudson's.

 

Can theese be converted to run on a 12V system? I understand that theese are not simple mechanical affairs but have an electrical componant to them.

 

I would assume so...if you can find the correct 12V O/D Solenoid and Governor.

They're the same for most 1956/67 passenger cars and 1956/71 F100's (B6A6916A Solenoid & B8A6919A Governor) except for 1969/71 F100's with 302's that use different types.

1962/65 Fairlanes were available with O/D. The solenoid/governor are different than the above.

 

So, the tranys will fit I will just have to get the stuff to convert them to 12V. Are the solenoid and governor real hard to find? Or are these parts a napa walk in part?

I want one of these for my truck in the advent that we suddenly run out of oil for the fiftieth time. The other I will probobly just sell. I know you do the hemmings thing ND. Do many people want these trannys?

 

I would strongly discourage you from going this route. My '66 originally came with the T-85N setup, and I have many notes on that model. I was extremely reluctant to let anyone drive it. The T-85N and its predecessors with the over-running clutch are very dangerous - which is why they were banned for use no later than the early '70s.
In fact, my '66 has permanent structural cab damage because my dad - who used one of these when he was growing up! - forgot to use it correctly and it rolled back and hit a telephone pole with the door open, and bent the door frame.
I burned up a new set of brakes and nearly lost it all when the OD relay fuse popped while going down Snoqualmie Pass carrying a full load. Had to use the service ramp normally reserved for big rigs to stop.
I converted to automatic when the arthritis in my hips got too much for a clutch.
If you do not have the correct parts and wiring setup correctly, it will be a frustrating and dangerous transmission to use.
I think Bill "Number Dummy" will bear me out on this.
Although parts are available, they are getting rarer and harder to find and more expensive every day.
It would be easier and safer in the long run to adapt a later stick or automatic overdrive than to try to piece together an incomplete T-85N setup.

Just my opinion, take it for what it is worth.
Good luck however you decide to go.

 

the thing to remember with the older ovedrives is that they will free wheel and to park it the trans will only hold in one direction reverse to keep it from going forward or 1 to keep it from rolling back. the best thing to do is take it out of overdrive when parking

 

I got a T98 I am happy with now. I just want to have a plan B that allows me to drive the thing if we get the joy of paying $4 a gallon for saudi tea again. I can afford gas fairly well below $3. Get above that I have probloms doing anything but sitting around.

 

Fifth Ave Garage has a reproduction solenoid but they are a little pricey $265

Fifth Avenue Internet Garage

_ Steve