Anyone have any experience with adapting a 50s Ford T86 3 speed with OD to a 59A Flathead block? I know it will bolt to the 8BA, but has anyone done this with an early Flatty? I know there are lots of threads for the T5, Chevy 3speed OD, and the Merc that bolts to it. I'm looking in particular for the specifics on the T-86 Ford that came in Tbirds and PU trucks. I know about the later 80's Ford truck trans, not looking to do that either. On a slightly different topic but still the same idea: I have noticed that the OD unit for the early T85 has the same bolt pattern as the 49-50 Mercury 3 speed Trans and I have both of those too. Has anyone taken the OD rear section and tailshaft from the T85 (has the small input spline) and bolted it to the front gear box of the Merc 3 speed trans? The bolts are the same pattern, but that's as much as I know. Thanks for anyone who has knowledge on this adaptation. -James
If you can find a '49/'50 Lincoln 3 speed O/D you would have it all. The correct case to bolt to your 59A, a T-85 Heavy Duty gearbox and O/D........R-11 Overdrive at that.....stronger than more common R-11 used on the Ford/Merc and many others. However, the O/D unit from the Ford T-86 "should" be transferable to you Merc gearbox......be careful about the case details at the back of the case. The Mercury gearbox is, I believe, essentially the same as the T-86. A light to medium duty box that works well enough if not abused. Ray
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