Slick 60's

I keep hearing that getting a later model OD tranny for the 352 in my '66 250 is a viable option to putting in 3.54 gears in the rearend. Anyone have any suggestions on what trannys work?

FYI: Not sure what you're specifically looking for, but an overdrive 3 speed was an option behind the 352 in 66.

No kiddin??? I currently have a Cruiseomatic i her now...

Tranny ID is T85N. , and came with 3.50 rearend gears from the factory in the F100's. Hard to find in working condition with everything needed. Cable , wiring overdrive relay , kickdown switch, and transmission with good govenor and solenoid . Most important parts is the solenoid NOS ones are at a premium. Would hook you up with complete setup for 750$ plus shipping.

Rich

I installed a mid-80's floor shift OD tranny in my '65 F100. This is a 3 spd with 4th being OD. Usually the 250s have heavier duty setups.

i have an NV4500 in my highboy and LOVE it! 5 speed with 1st granny and 5th OD. best of both worlds as far as im concerned. Advanced Adapters makes a kit. Install took a weekend.

I will be using a 5 speed out of a 1993-ish F-250. It's a ZF S-42. Low 1st and reverse gears, with overdrive. It bolted right up to my 300. Does the 352 have the same bell housing pattern?

Would probably be way easier to stick with the automatic since that's what your truck already has. Here's an adapter to put various automatic overdrive trans behind your FE engine: http://transmissionadapters.com/ford_fe.htm

I think he car big block overdrive is a T85/R11 and the truck overdrive is a T89/R11 with the u-joint bolted to the trans.

Maybe slightly lower first gear in the truck model, not sure. I may be mistaken.

Number is T85N on the transmissions that I have in mine. T89 is a different tranny , but your right about the yoke bolted to the rear.

Rich

Warner T-85N 3 M/T w/Overdrive optional:

1965/67 F100 240/300/352 / 1968/71 F100 240/300/360/390 / 1969/71 F100 302.

No Ford truck came w/a T-89 with Overdrive, the only vehicles I'm aware of with this trans were Studebakers.

RUG SR-OD Single Rail 4 speed overdrive: 1978/83 F100/150.

RTS TS-OD Top Shift 4 speed overdrive: 1984/89 F150.

I haven't run one my self yet but what I have learned from others that the 352 mileage will be better in the 3.25 to 3.50 range for final/od drive. It would also depend on your intake.

lucky23 wrote:I keep hearing that getting a later model OD tranny for the 352 in my '66 250 is a viable option to putting in 3.54 gears in the rearend. Anyone have any suggestions on what trannys work?

randyr wrote:Would probably be way easier to stick with the automatic since that's what your truck already has. Here's an adapter to put various automatic overdrive trans behind your FE engine: http://transmissionadapters.com/ford_fe.htm

IMO the Bendtsen’s FE to AOD adapter is quite pricy at $850, and that's not including the transmission. No indication that the OP wants to keep an auto.

Gritsngumbo wrote:

randyr wrote:Would probably be way easier to stick with the automatic since that's what your truck already has. Here's an adapter to put various automatic overdrive trans behind your FE engine: http://transmissionadapters.com/ford_fe.htm

IMO the Bendtsen’s FE to AOD adapter is quite pricy at $850, and that's not including the transmission. No indication that the OP wants to keep and auto.

Agree that $850 sounds like a chunk but by the time he swaps rear ends, hangs a clutch pedal, cuts a hole in the floor, changes steering column and a variety of other modifications, spending a few extra bucks for a bolt in adapter that would solve all those problems might not seem so pricey.....

I don't remember any AOD having 4 forward gear selections. 1st and 2nd together, 3 1:1 then OD. Any variations available factory or aftermarket?

randyr wrote:

Gritsngumbo wrote:

randyr wrote:Would probably be way easier to stick with the automatic since that's what your truck already has. Here's an adapter to put various automatic overdrive trans behind your FE engine: http://transmissionadapters.com/ford_fe.htm

IMO the Bendtsen’s FE to AOD adapter is quite pricy at $850, and that's not including the transmission. No indication that the OP wants to keep and auto.

Agree that $850 sounds like a chunk but by the time he swaps rear ends, hangs a clutch pedal, cuts a hole in the floor, changes steering column and a variety of other modifications, spending a few extra bucks for a bolt in adapter that would solve all those problems might not seem so pricey.....

To me, $850 IS a chunk of money. None of the mods you mentioned come close to that amount (not sure what you mean about the column).

chris401 wrote:I don't remember any AOD having 4 forward gear selections. 1st and 2nd together, 3 1:1 then OD. Any variations available factory or aftermarket?

No, and yes! The AOD has four selectable forward gears, not the most friendly or durable setup, but they are there to be used; pretty much in the manner of the old "two-speed" Fordomatics.
As for the second part, Lentech and other performance trans companies come to mind.
Disclaimer: I am not endorsing the use of an AOD; just answering the question!
Paul

Gritsngumbo wrote:To me, $850 IS a chunk of money. None of the mods you mentioned come close to that amount (not sure what you mean about the column).

The cost of the mods will depend on how it's done and who's doing the work. It's not my job to decide what the OP can or can't afford. I was merely posting a possible additional alternative to the other suggestions. I know if it was me, I'd appreciate knowing about a variety of options before making my decision.

I personally would LOVE an OD tranny in my 250, but it's too much money for my budget...

Do you use it as a truck or a car? If you don't tow or haul a lot with it, look at a T-5. Very easy to do and my 352 gets 17MPG, turns right at 1700RPM with a 3.25 gear. Probably not the best choice for a truck used as a truck but works great for a toy.

SPark