Classic/Antique Car Repair/Overdrive tranny

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Expert: - 8/8/2008


Question
I have a 56 ford with a three speed overdrive. It keeps popping out of second gear. The local shop wants between 1500 and 2000 dollars to fix it. I have a line on a brand new never been used three speed for 400 dollars. I have been told that I can mate the tail piece (Overdrive unit) to the back of the three speed with no problems. Is this possible. My overdrive works perfectly. Thank you. (From: Alex Desjardins in Lethbridge, alberta)


Answer
Yes the case will bolt up with no problem but you still have to dissassemble both transmission as the tail (output) shafts are different. Putting the three speed in without the overdrive may not be an option as the rear end ration is different on the overdrive equipped car and will cause higher engine RPM at highway speeds.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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