Can anyone help me id this 3 speed OD trans? It came in my 56 Customline. Is it indeed a 56 trans?

It may be a '56 trans but Ford used that trans from the 1949 model year up into at least the 70's on various models so it may not be original to your car. If the side cover is rectangular it is the T-86 light duty unit with a 3 pinion OD. If the side cover is rounded on the bottom it's a T-85 heavy duty trans with the 4 pinion OD.

Not sure if you can nail it down to a specific year by that casting number, it was probably used for many different years. Look for a metal tag on the right side or possibly attached by one of the tail shaft bolts?

Assuming there are no other identifying tags or marks on the housing, knowing the size and spline count of the input and ouput shafts might help to narrow down the year range for the transmission.  Some of the OD solenoids are stamped with the voltage requirement and that would also help to identify the year range.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

The T86 is a top loader. The plate is on the top of the trans. T85 has the 9 bolt (I think) plate on the side and the shift levers are on the plate. That looks like a T85. What markings are on the OD part of the trans? It should have R11 on it if it's a Borg Warner T85.

Durham Missouri

Jim, you are right, 1A casting number would suggest 51, but were used up to 56 basically except for solenoid change then. may have R10 houseing?



  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

I think thats just the light duty 3 speed with R10 OD. T85 has a side cover with a curved bottom ( just like a T10 ) and has an R11 OD.