Overdrive options query

W

WRHorn9

Member
Hi:
I am mid-project on my '52 F1. It has a Saginaw (456) four-speed in it and the original rear-end (3.92). Trans is prior owner install, so I am using it. I am thinking for down the road the options to make it more enjoyable on the road. That brings me to overdrive units for better highway speeds. I know generalities for add-on overdrive units but no specifics. My only experience with overdrive was my first car: a '59 T-Bird with a 3-on-the-tree and an electric overdrive (yes, a rare Bird). The overdrive was integral to the trans and the servo was part of the tail shaft. To me, it was part of the original design, not an add-on.
Who, or where, are good sources to find out more info on what is available and what is recommended? Are there overdrive units that "replace" the tail shaft on specific trans? Or, are there an add-on part after the output shaft? I'm not looking for the overly expensive custom, chromed, digital new stuff. Something that works, reliably, and not too "custom" to install. Does it exist?
Thanks in advance.
William
 
Ford actually set pickups up with OD units in the F100 years. The best unit is the T85 with the R11 overdrive. Ford used them till 1970 or so in pickups. The R10 behind the Ford 259 series transmission is a lighter duty unit but still viable for flathead use. There are still units out there including the 1949 through early 51 Mercury that will bolt right up to a Ford half bell on a pickup. The will work with a pickup clutch set up.
 
Original cross member is mostly gone. Driver's side has some of the original cross member with the new power brake booster and master cylinder attached to it. Passenger side has a remnant with the parking brake attached. New cross member is a square tube setup. I'll have to go take pic of replacement setup. I'll try tomorrow. In this pic you can see a little part of original cross member to left of shifters and red wire.

(ignore crappy wires everywhere. Prior owner installed a RonFrancis rewire, but, man, wire taps everywhere, no thought to wear and corrosion. I am in process of complete rewire with a NEW RonFrancis set.)

52-F1-Saginaw456.jpeg
 
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