Borg Warner overdrives

miker98038

miker98038

Well-known member
Questions on overdrives come up here frequently. This article was linked on another site and I found it informative mainly on the uses and history of the BW units in general. I’m not sure it’s all correct, but it’s pretty good. So I’m posting the link here for those who might be able to use it or those just curious. It’s not a replacement for the original service manual, but still useful.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
 
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The R10 assemblies were also spliced into the torque tubes for a time. These were available for model As and later Fords with torque tubes. They required the addition of components for control in the cars that they were installed in so it was kind of a custom installation situation. These units still show up now and then and most operational and maintenance instructions apply to them as well as the units that were OEM transmission installations.
 
There was also the occasional R-11 that ended up behind a 4 speed top loader. There was a guy, Doug I think, that was an engineer who found a good machinist and stuck the whole works in a 55 bird. Years go on one of the Yblock sites. Even managed to get the reverse lock out rod in.
 
I love my 3 speed BW R10 overdrive unit in my 55 Fairlane. It is fun to drive and just the ticket for the way I operate the car. I do have a rebuilt T85R11 ready to go - I think the tail shaft is a tick longer though than my 259 unit. Of course the mount is a bit further back as well as all T85's would for the standard 55/56 Ford crossmember.

I have to get to it one of these days. I even have an NOS Hurst 3 speed set up for the T85 R11 - still in the box.

That 4 speed with overdrive though, I would love to drive that and see how she responds. 2nd gear is pretty strong with my 3 speed but 3rd seems a bit far away if you know what I mean.
 
I have a B/W overdrive in my A, and I love it. Saves the babbit. I have a heavy radiator, and cast iron drums, so I can go, not sweat like crazy, and stop. It's the best for a 96 year old car that gets driven.
 
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