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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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Thinking about cashing this out to help with paying for paint job for my T Bird. Good gears and decent syncos. Overdrive works fine. Have kick down swith, relay, wiring harnes, and Overdrive cable out of my T Bird. Only problem is that occasionaly if you slam it hard in to high gear, the syncro assembly travels too far and the dogs on the syncro assembly pop up and lock it into high gear. Thought about puting a stop on the linkage to fix it. I think somone who knows transmissions better than I do could easily fix it. What is it worth? I see crazy asking prices for these. I have a couple of boxes of spare OD parts I would throw in. I am in St. Louis area.
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By iowa fords - 13 Years Ago
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I paid $200. for an overdrive trans this summer, it had everything I need to install
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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T85 or the light duty?
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By Duck - 13 Years Ago
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Price is? Or is this an auction? If so, do you have a "Buy it Now price?"
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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I'm not aware of what year your 'Bird is, Slumlord.
IF it's a '55 'Bird, it originally came with the Borg Warner 259 trans. with a Borg Warner R-10 overdrive behind it. In '56, Ford used the B-W T-85 with R-11 overdrive in the 312 'Birds as also supplied in both '55 and '56 Mercurys. To make the Mercury T-85 overdrive fit in the 'Bird, Ford used a stamped steel sheet metal adapter to connect the overdrive trans. extension housing mount to the 'Bird frame mount. For '57, Ford had Borg Warner change the location of the T-85 overdrive tailshaft housing mount used on the 'Bird so that an adapter was not needed.
IF your T-85 overdrive is '57 'Bird, it is likely worth more than if it is a '56 'Bird T-85 overdrive unit. That said, I'm surprised that someone has not reproduced the formed sheet metal adapter Ford used in '56 to shoehorn the passenger car FoMoCo T-85 overdrive into the early 'Birds. The availability of such a piece would facilitate the painless use of a lot of Ford/ Mercury passenger car T-85 overdrives in early 'Bird's. The distance from the center of the trans. mount on a T-85 overdrive to the yoke end of the tailshaft housing is ~ 5 inches different between the passenger car T-85 and the '57 Bird T-85.
The T-85 3 speed trans. and the T-85 3 speed with overdrive were rugged unit used up into the '60s behind the FoMoCo FE big blocks. The Borg Warner overdrive R-11s used four (4) planetary gears, the R-10s used in many passenger cars and the '55 'Birds had only three planetary gears.
I've noticed three Ford passenger car T-85 overdrives sell on eBay in the last 8 months. I recall the selling prices to have been $350, $450, and $650. Whoever you sell your T-85 to, do them a BIG favor and include the transmission drive shaft yoke. These are not available new, only used. 
Regards,
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By MarkMontereyBay - 13 Years Ago
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As I remember, these 3 speeds were/are non-synchro in first gear (crunch if shifted to low gear before coming to a complete stop.) Is there a modification for this?
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By Duck - 13 Years Ago
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Mark- No mod needed- just shift into third (when stopped) before you shift into 1st/ reverse. Stops the innard's spinning...
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By MarkMontereyBay - 13 Years Ago
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Duck,
That helps but I am thinking more of a downshift to first on a hill in traffic without having to stop.
Thanks.
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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No known mechanical modification for the T-85 tranny, Mark.
Driving option: double clutch when down shifting IF you're not coming to a stop . . . ?
Ford offered some all syncro three speeds in later years . . . I suspect that they were used behind small cubic inch engines and do not have the strength to withstand y-block torque. Perhaps others know the specifics on these.
For improved driveability, consider looking at installing a four or five speed transmission.
The Borg Warner T-10 (T-85 predecessor) from an early Mustang is probably the easiest bolt in for a little 'Bird. The Ford Top Loader can be made to fit behind a y-block also. -Front bearing retainer diameter reduction, and possible input shaft length modification.
Personally, I'm working through a Tremec T-5 installation. IF you Google 'Moder Driveline', toggle 'Tech Alley' and then select 'T-5 History', they have an interesting overview of the evolution of the T-5. The T-5Z has a torque rating of 330 ft. lbs. -sufficient for most y-block builds. Modern offers the Tremec standard .63 overdrive ratio for 5th gear and offers an optional .73 or .59 ratio as well. Installing a T-5 behind a y-block will require a bellhousing adapter, and different pressure plate, clutch disc, and throw-out bearing. John Mummert's offerings can make these installation details easily accomplished!
Hope this helps! 
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By Duck - 13 Years Ago
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I never understood why some people have to have an old car, and then do everything they can to turn it into something that is just like one of the cookie cutter cars that roll off the line on any given day of the week. These old vehicles, WITH their idiosyncrasies, not only are more apt to retain any value they have, but also allow the younger guys (and gals) to get a feel of what driving a car used to be like. I say if you want a new car, buy one, and leave the old stuff for people who can appreciate it for what it is... sorry, I know this probably belongs somewhere else, or more than likely, not here at all..
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By MarkMontereyBay - 13 Years Ago
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Actually, I am in the process of parts gathering for a Mummert T-5 conversion in the 57 Bird Fordomatic. Have all the clutch stuff: bellhousing, clutch linkages and brackets, brake/clutch pedal assembly and underdash mounting brace, steering column covers, etc. So I am just curious how/if a 3 speed OD could be made more livable and strong enough to deal with the new aluminum heads, cam, etc. 5 forward gears all synchro is my choice for now.
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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As I stated orginaly it is a T 85. The heavy duty with the curved bottom side cover. This particular one came out of a 1959 or 1960 T Bird in a junk yard in the mid to late '60's. It bolted right in my '57 T Bird. Had to switch the clutch disk to match the splines on the input shaft. Contrary to what has been stated here the drive shaft yolk that originaly came in my car with the Ford A Matic fit just fine as I recall. I don't have a price set. I am trying to find a fair price. As I stated I know they don't come cheap but I would like to find a new home for it with someone who needs it and give someone a fair deal. Regarding the comment on the all syncro 3 speeds, the 352 and 390 cars from '63 up had the heavy duty version. It is basicly a toploader 4 speed with only 3 speeds. I have one in the Bird now but it needs syncros and I want a 4 speed because I want a 4 speed. I am thinking I would take $500 + shipping considering I have a bunch of misc spare parts with it. Could probably throw in the correct clutch disk if I can find it. I think it has fine splines. If I am too high on the price and you are interested, insult me with an offer.
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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MarkMontereyBay (10/26/2011)
...So I am just curious how/if a 3 speed OD could be made more livable and strong enough to deal with the new aluminum heads, cam, etc. 5 forward gears all synchro is my choice for now.
Regarding the Borg Warner T-85 with an R-11 overdrive behind it . . .
Borg-Warner built OD units that used either 3 or 4 planetary gears. The 4 gear system is the strongest. It was identified as an R-11 unit.
These T-85/R-11 transmissions are strong enough that they were used behind the most powerful FE engines. Overdrive was offered behind the factory high performance 390s and 406s in 1961-2 and the mighty 427 of 1963-4. After the 4 speed became available in 1962 request for the OD transmission declined but it did function just as intended by taming the very low rear end ratios that were commonly installed in high-performance cars.
Thought this might answer your strength question.
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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I believe you have it right. These were tough and designed for high horsepower and high torqe.
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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The overdrive is still for sale. Will take $400 plus shipping. Need cash for my T-Bird re do.
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By Missouri Mike - 13 Years Ago
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Slumlord I sent you a PM. Missouri Mike
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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Returned pm. Email me. Still have it.
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By Missouri Mike - 13 Years Ago
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Didn't get your PM, sent an email.We'll see if that works. Mike
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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Never got email. slumlord44@hotmail.com.
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By Missouri Mike - 13 Years Ago
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Did you get my email at your hotmail address? Mike
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By slumlord444 - 13 Years Ago
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Mike, just found it in my junk mail folder. Check you e mail.
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By ejstith - 12 Years Ago
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You mentioned extra parts. Do you have any planetary gears laying around? I've been told the planetary gears are the same as a T-86 except there are 4 instead of 4. If I can find some I'll have a complete T-89 (truck version).
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By kenny440 - 12 Years Ago
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do you still have that overdrive transmission?
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 12 Years Ago
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Kenny: Look a couple of posts down. Pegleg still has his T85 for sale.
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By ejstith - 12 Years Ago
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Slumlord, again, in that box of parts do you have a 4 planetary gear set?
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By slumlord444 - 12 Years Ago
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Sorry I missd your question. Sold all the spare parts with the transmission.
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By ejstith - 11 Years Ago
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iowa fords (10/25/2011)
I paid $200. for an overdrive trans this summer, it had everything I need to install
If you got a good T-85 for $200 you stole it...... A hell of a deal...
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By 312T85Bird - 11 Years Ago
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I bought a rebuilt with an 11" clutch disc from an older gentleman last Summer for $120.00 so they are out there a guy just has to look hard enough. This one sat around 30 years after being Professionally rebuilt.
312T85Bird
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By 312T85Bird - 11 Years Ago
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HOORAH>RIGHT ON< KEEP THEM THE WAY THEY CAME AND HOW THEY BELONG. IT MAY COST MORE THEN BUTCHERING THEM BUT
THAT IS WHY EVERYONE DOES NOT HAVE ONE!!!
312T85Bird
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By 312T85Bird - 11 Years Ago
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Do the same as square gear drivers did for years, bring the gears up to match the speed (RPM & MPH) and it will slide into 1st and then let the clutch out. Big rig drivers for years only used the clutch to stop and start and shifted with R's the rest of the time.
With a little b practice you will be a pro,
312T85Bird
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By 312T85Bird - 11 Years Ago
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Not to break any bubbles, but I went to the Old Car Show & swap Meet in IOLA, Wisconsin last month and found one from a '57 Fairlane (Longer tail shaft then the T-Bird) for $50.00 and inside looks like it was never ran. Stuff is popping up all over.
312T85Bird
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By speedster1 - 11 Years Ago
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312T85bird,
Lots of difference in pass and bird for pricing.
You did not mention if the trans you bought had O/D, hell of a good deal irregardless?
I do know this, my friends collection had a t-85 o/d Bird trans, the bird guys that have them start at about 1400. for one that looks to be ok, but will not guarantee.
When I advertised my friends, a guy called and instantly bought it at $1250. plus 125 shipping costs >>>> after that had 8-10 more calls>> all were looking and would have payed more, as they can not find any FOR bird that is.
Bird shifters with rods and plate are not cheap either, 55 is by itself, 56-57 interchange.
Warm regards,
John
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