In kind of a bind on my 1957 Ranchero. My overdrive unit ran dry and was toast. So I found a nice T85 and R11 from a 57 t bird instead of the T86 /R10 that was originally behind my 292. Problem being so many things are going to have to be changed to get this combo to work. Anyone in Columbus Ohio area have a T86 or R10 they would want to swap? Or I will sell this at a very reasonable price.This trans has all the governor/speed sensor complete 740 221 1223
Dan, You need to post this in the classified section. Be sure to headline it with more specific info to attract someone close to your area.
The T85/R11 is a significant upgrade over the T86/R10, it would be worth the extra effort to use it...
Steve.. looks like shifter will have to be moved to the floor, linkage is different crossmember mount different driveshaft will need shortened and will need another yoke. I know it’s stronger but didn’t plan on all this.
Yes, the T85 is worth the time and money. Yes, the R10s are still thick on the ground, especially in Studebaker country. I've even got one kicking around somewhere, but last time I looked, I couldn't find it. If you want to keep your OEM setup, just source some R10 guts. jack vines
The column shift should work with the T85, Ford built a lot of them that way. If you need parts for the R10, try Mac at Van Pelt sales. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/ There’s always someone at the Ford Barn or yblocksforever looking for a T85/R11 to replace a T86 due to engine upgrade. Might be worth a look in their adds, parts or whole unit.
Thanks for the reply, I think I have read some of your articles on these.Like I say I think it’s to much cost to switch since I am running a 275 hp stocker.The T86 combo seems plenty strong. Just have to keep oil in them lol Jumped the gun on buying this but at least I’m into it right.
Then you're not running it hard enough. LOL The Studebaker racers used to blow up T86s all the time with less than 275 hp. jack vines, who's blown an few.
If you decide to sell it it should go quick! If the price is right, they are getting hard to find. Bones
Just F.Y.I. I used a T85 in the El Caballo behind that rather potent Olds. When road racing, I would absolutely punish that bad boy, and never had a failure. I used it for brakes, as the critter was heavy so the brakes would go away.
If you have a choice between a T150 and a T86, do whatever is necessary to fit the T85. Then clean and paint the T86 real pretty and use it for a door stop. The T85 is plenty tough and the T86, marginal at best. Borg Warner used the T85 case to make the T10. Ford used it even up to the 401 hp 390 until the T10 was available. Do whatever you can to install the T85. It may cost money, but it is money well spent and last a very long time. Well past the wallet hurt takes to recover!
I’m a fan of the T85 R11. In 1968 I put my first one in a 55 bird. Nobody told me it wouldn’t fit, that the 56 had a bigger tunnel. So being stupid I made it work. But the OP said he didn’t want to tackle the conversion work. Those T-86’s went millions of miles behind 6’s and 292’s and who knows what else. Just not with hoodlums driving them. You can repair or replace the R10, and maybe just on the profit from a good T85 R11. Pick your choice and enjoy your ride.
It’s always about how you drive it……and how well you maintain it. The T-86 gears are just a bit sturdier than the stock Ford standard transmission gears. The T-85 gears are sturdier than the T86 and regular Ford gears for sure. That T-86 is plenty adequate for the 292 V-8 unless you’ve built it into a fire breather, and plan to smear rubber on the pavement frequently. The other issue is parts availability. These are our business and I can tell you that we have most of the parts for the T-86 type but it’s getting to be slim pickings for that T-85. Something to keep in mind…
The Jalopy Journal
