Does anyone know if there is a difference between the 1954 Ford and 1954 Mercury stock 3 speed overdrive transmissions?  Will the Ford trans be a direct bolt in and correct for the Mercury?  The Ford transmission has the usual "1A-7006-A" casting # and the O.D. is an "R10F-1".  Thanks

I can’t speak to the 54’s, I’ve only been involved in 55’s. Ford had a 3 speed, but I think all the o/d units were the BW T-86. Probably the bolt pattern at the bell is the same and the disc spline. But the overall length and transmission mount could change.

If no one here knows call Mac at Van Pelt Sales. He’s the go to guy for information and parts, if required.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

The Mercury transmission that is in the car is marked "T86 W.G. Div."   The O.D. in the Mercury is an "R10-F-1" just like the Ford transmission.  The "T-86" has a removable top cover but the Ford 1A-7006-1 has a removable side cover (where the shift levers are).  Both transmissions measure 28" in length but they sure look like different transmissions.  I just want to be sure that they are directly interchangable without any modifications.

Ford transmissions are the same 1949 to 1954 Mercury 1952 to 1954 all interchange as a complete  unit but gear  ratios may be different..

If my Google-Fu is working right...it looks like the T86 has the removable top cover and a T85 has a side cover.  If memory serves, the T85 (if that is what you have) is the more stout option.

Do you have any photos that you can post?

Yes, the T-86 in my Mercury has a removable top cover and the transmission with the Ford 1A-7006-A number has a removable side cover.  However, I have read that the T-85 was always mated with the R-11 overdrive where as the T-86 had the R-10.. The T-86 in my Mercury has the R-10 O.D.

Correct, the T-85 came with the R-11. I think the T-86 might be a little more stout than the Ford transmission, but I don’t really know. But at some point, 55 (I think) Ford quit using the R-10 behind their own transmission and bought the whole unit complete from BW. Could just have been a supply deal. But unless you’re planning on real abuse or a lot more hp it should be fine.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I don't know about all the correct numbers, but I understand that when Ford went with the 312 it used the Merc O/D because it was a stouter trans


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I believe all 312’s used the T-85 due to its strength. All those that had o/d came with the R-11. The 56 birds got a larger tunnel to accommodate it, don’t know about the pass cars. I did put a T-85 o/d in a 55 bird back in the 60’s. Pretty tight.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Miker.....I checked out VanPelt's website and it sure doesn't sound very friendly or helpful.  They basically say in advance "don't call us with general old car questions unless you are buying parts from us".  Doesn't sound like a very smart business model so I think I will save myself the embarrassment of calling and pass on VanPelt.  I did order a '54 Mercury factory repair manual and that should tell me which 3 speed is correct for my car i.e. the T-86 or the Ford 1A-7006-A.