Availability of T-85

[ejgator]

I posted originally as "worn out 3-speed". I have been researching and am wondering if now might be the time to think about upgrading to a transmission with overdrive.

Are these available at all? If so, what's the going price?

Thanks.

Gator

[sideoilerfe]

The mid to late 70's had 4speeds (3 speeds w/OD) in the F100 and F150. I forgot the actual name of the tranny though.

[fordman]

i thought someone said the t 85 were used up into the 80's trucks.

[AlleyCat]

The T85N 3 speed overdrive was until 70 or so when it was outlawed by big brother.The T85N has a freewheel feature that saves fuel.The downside to freewheel is lack of engine braking when it's engaged.

I do remember a 3 speed overdrive in 80's era trucks that didn't have the freewheel feature.The acronym SROD or single rail overdrive sticks in my head but that may be a car only trans.

[uboughtwhat?]

SROD was one that was available, another was the TOD, I think it was a Tremec T-178???? not 100% sure of the number right now. This is a toploader that was used in the pickups into the mid 80's and has the butterfly bellhousing pattern just like a Ford 3.03.

Jeff

[Old School Ray]

I just priced a rebuilt T-85 N locally here in Portland OR at $1,200 with a $300 core exchange. Bought a rebuild kit only to fine the problem was in the shift linkage where it goes into the tranny. There is a pair of spring loaded ball bearings that fit into a triple detent on each shift lever that was binding instead of locking the other arm out. Completely locked in between gears it also locked out the rear end so I could not even push it off the road. I could push in the clutch and start the engine but it would just die when I let it out. Very frustrating in rush hour traffic.

[willowbilly3]

There are also a couple other versions besides the SROD. One is very similiar but has the shifter in the top cover and the other is a side shifted toploader. Neither should be considered for a big block or serious torque but would work fine in normal driving. They are both still affordable, I'm thinking $250 range but can be found for less. Some jeeps also had the topshift version.