1950 Overdrive Transmission ?

green50

green50

Senior Member
I’m looking to install an overdrive transmission in my 1950 Ford car. I found one that is supposed to be from a 1950 Ford car, it looks like it will fit. It’s the same length as my stock non-overdrive trans and it has the boss for the clutch linkage, however the pad for the mount is about 4” further back towards the rear. My question is, am I to turn the mount plate that’s on top of the cross member 180 degrees for a proper fit? :confused: I believe will give me the 4" distance to the rear that I need for the proper fit. Has anyone been through this before? Any info appreciated. Thanks
 
If your OD transmission measures +/- 24" front case to tail, and the mount is +/- 12" from the case, it is from a '51. Reversing the '50 trans cross member may be the answer, as that's what's done swapping '49-'50 transmissions into '51s. :)
 
make sure you have all the parts, kick down switch under gas pedal/ the lock out cable to trans, if not your going to just have a free wheeling 3 speed, and you will need all the switches under hood to run the o/d, and you may have to change the gear ratio in the third member, most o/d used a 4:11 to 1, and some merc use a 4:55 to one with there o/d. stock 3 speed rear end may be to high for street use
 
green50 said:
I’m looking to install an overdrive transmission in my 1950 Ford car. I found one that is supposed to be from a 1950 Ford car, it looks like it will fit. It’s the same length as my stock non-overdrive trans and it has the boss for the clutch linkage, however the pad for the mount is about 4” further back towards the rear. My question is, am I to turn the mount plate that’s on top of the cross member 180 degrees for a proper fit? :confused: I believe will give me the 4" distance to the rear that I need for the proper fit. Has anyone been through this before? Any info appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...

Yes
 
Ok, here’s what I found out about this car. I contacted the old fellow that I got the car from and it seems this car had an O/D trans in it originally. He also told me that when he had the standard 3 speed trans installed (O/D was bad) he had the rear regarded for it. So much for a simple swap.:rolleyes: So I guess first thing I have to do is figure out what the gearing is in the rear and go from there. When I get it all figured out, I'll do the trans install with all the electronics. Thanks for all the responses.
　
 
A 3.78 rear is fine with an overdrive. I had a standard that I converted to OD and never looked back. The higher speeds of today's roads really make the 3.78 more suitable.

IMO, it would take some severe situations to warrant the change to a 4.11. Maybe if you are constantly starting off in extreme up-hill situations.
 
Easy way of getting it to work (after install) is run a power wire through a toggle switch to the solenoid. I did mine 20 years ago and still working fine. Don't worry about the rear! my 3.78 also works just great.
 
I have one of each, one has 4:11 with OD the other had 3.78 without OD. I added the OD to the 3.78 and love it that way. I wish the 4:11 had the same gears. It great on the open road........so I wouldn't change it, its no easy job and its costlly.
 
Gene, My 49 has the 3:78 in and works just fine. You should see the look on those chevy guys when you pass them in 2nd over, at 60+, then shift into high. The electrical supply I ran through a dimmer switch on the floor, keeps your hands free for shifting. Drive shaft is the same, be sure to check the gear oil in both the, trany and the OD, they don't share good. Chuck S.
 
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