shoebox ford need some info

i have a 1950 shoebox flathead 8 with 3 speed overdrive, when the overdrive is on (cable pushed in)
i have no reverse but if i turn overdrive off (cable out) i have reverse is that the way it works or is there something wrong?
thanks mike

 

Hopefully an Admin will move this to the main board for you to get your answer.

Until then you can research this:

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/2017/03/understanding-borg-warners-r-10r-11-overdrive-transmissions/

 

Yes there is something wrong.
Another post #1. Intro?
Pete

 

It is my understanding that you can't use reverse in Over Drive because it will damage the gears in the Over Drive unit.

 

Overdrive kicks in at 27 or 28 mph as I remember. Most of us don't drive that fast in reverse anymore. The cable should not need to be pulled out to use reverse.
Pete

 

You MUST take it out of overdrive before backing. If you pull up and park against a curb in overdrive, you can NOT back up and must jack up a back wheel to release the pressure, then take it out of O/D and then back up

 

There's a lockout pin that prevents engaging reverse when in OD. If you tow the car backwards in OD the wheels will skid. Actually handy for stopping at an uphill red light, the car won't roll back down the hill.

 

ok what is the main board

 

I think that is normal, the car will not back up in reverse.