3-speed od trans question

I picked up a trans to use as a backup to the one in my 58, I'm told the one I have in the car is a light duty trans, found behind small v-8's and sixes. The one I picked up is a top loader, the length and shift arms are similar. It has an extra sender or switch on the tail, with a wire attached. The # is T86E-IN. When did this trans go to a top loader? Is it a better trans than my 55-57 light duty? Thanks for your input, Mark
 

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T86's were the regular OD trans for Fords beginning in 1956.... on the Sixes and small V8's. They used them up thru '65 or 66. The big V8's (312-332-352-390) all got the T85 heavy duty trannies, both standard or overdrives. Ford went with the 23 spline input shaft beginning in '58. They did not use the extra switch (reverse lockout) after 1951. The T86 was also sold to other car mfrs, so its possible the spare unit came from another make.
 
That switch you are asking about is the overdrive governor. Has nothing to do with reverse lockout or backup lights. You should get a shop manual for your car and read up on the overdrive section, it will explain it very well.
 
yup the governor is on the right side, solenoid on the left but also on the left aft of the shift arm is another switch activated by the shifter shaft...which does what?
 
The backup lights were dealer installed in 55. The switch was on the bottom of the steering column. The OD trans cannot backup while the OD is engaged. Inside the gearbox, when reverse is engaged, a shaft pushed the OD out.
 
That switch you are asking about is the overdrive governor. Has nothing to do with reverse lockout or backup lights. You should get a shop manual for your car and read up on the overdrive section, it will explain it very well.
I have manuals on these, was looking for input if this was any better than what I have
 
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