Ford non electical over drive

J

JackB

Junior Member
I was told taht Ford has a non electrical operated overdrive. I want to bolt it to a 1974, 302. I have been told they made the manual shifting overdrive some time in the 1980's on mustang, t-birds and cougars. I need to find out what years to look for. Any information will be appricated
 
At some point Ford took a medium duty 4 speed and made the 3rd gear postion into an O/D. I know this sounds strange. The trans can be identified by a bulge on the rear passenger side, where the case was enlarged to clear a larger gear. The 3/4 shift arm was reversed (pointed up instead of down). Compared to the original, moving the shifter handle in a standard H actually moved the gears as 1-2-4-3, since the modified 3rd was now an O/D. The one I had used a 3.27 or so 1st, and a .8 O/D.

I believe it came out of a Granada, and at the time they were referred to as a T&C transmission. Been 15 years, so my memory may be missing something. On a Y block bell, you had to turn the front bearing retainer down a little, and drill and tap two new bolt holes in the bell. They were a cheaper short term solution before the T-5 variants came out for higher torque ratings. I wouldn't do one today unless it was close to free.
 
There was one called an SROD. It used a shift pattern like 1-2-3-(direct)-4-(OD). Some had an iron case, the latest versions an aluminum case with enclosed shift linkage. I had one in my 55 sedan. It leaked right through the side of the case along a casting line, (repaired with epoxy), and the ratio's really sucked. You will be happier to step up and spend some bucks for a well built five speed from a well known rebuilder. I did and never looked back.
 
I had one but i traded it for an AOD, not sure if that was a good move or not. Mine was planed to go behind a 292 Y-block . I friend of mine did put one behind his 64 pickup with the 292 Y-block , i sold him my shifter which have become pretty hard to find used.
 
The transmission I have in my Model A is a Tremec RTS out of a mid 8o's F150 (top loader). It is a 1-2-3 (direct) -4 (OD). Works great in my application, not sure about others. Normal H shift pattern with Reverse to the right and down from the H.
 
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