Does anybody know what the castings or description would be for a '56 Ford OD tranny? I have been lookin' for a T-85 but they are scarce and are high as hell if ya find one. I'm about ready to settle for a regular '56 OD. I'm not goin' to be doin' any burn outs or slammin' gears so I think it will work .. How can I tell one if I see one? I'm goin' to the show at Moultie GA next month and to Turkey Rod Run. What do you think one is worth?

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

The standard unit would be the T-86 with an R 10 od unit. If you're not concerned with originality you might think about the later Toploader OD. Be a lot cheaper, but it'll require a later clutch disc and a floor shift.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Yeah, I sort of want to stay away from a floor shift for now. Do you know how to identify that T-86? I'll be looking for one at Moultie and Daytona next month. Thanks ... p/s, love that '57. Have you seen the red one on ebay with the SOHC motor in it?

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

The T-85 has a rounded cover the t-86 is square. The OD will have the R10 or R11 in block letters on the case. The T-86 is appearantly a lot more common than the 85's. Not as strong though.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Thanks Frank, yeah I know, that T-85 was a strong one. Had one in a 57 w/a 324" 312, cammed and carb'd. Never did tear it up, just swapped it for a T-10. Do you know if it's the same dimensions as the regular 3 speed or will I have to do some drive line stuff?

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

I would not use a T86 and the small OD with a heavier car and good motor.  Ford put T 85's with R11 0D's in all T birds with 312's because the T 86 and R10's were not strong enough.  The R 11 OD has 4 pinions the R 10 has only 3.  I used to tear up the little tranys with a 312 in a '54. 

I believe you will be able to find a T85/R11 and it is a direct identical bolt in for the standard trany including shift linkage.  You might need a different clutch to fit the trany spline depending on what you have now. 

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

Thanks Doug. I'll look at Moultrie and Turkey Run. If I don't find something there half way reasonable I'll probably look for the puny one. I'm not going to do any burn outs or gear slammin' like I did back in the day. I just have a hard time forkin' over $400 or $500 for a T-85 and the only one I've seen for sale was $450. I have a 272 with a "dress up" 4bbl and that's it. Under normal drivin' the OD's that came in them must have worked and should be just as strong as the 3 speed that's in there now. If I was goin' to put a ton of money in it I'd probably just bite the bullet and put a T-5 in it but I really don't want a floor shift ...

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

I have a T-85 / R-11 that came from a FE 390 motor in a Ford station wagon. It should be REAL STRONG. I will sell it for $250. Where are you located?

I am in eastern Nebraska.



Let me know if your interested.



Jim Rowe

Cell: 402-681-1770

  Jim Rowe Elkhorn, NE

I am in Tallahassee FL. I am interested .. where are you?

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

I will be in Missouri for Christmas. Maybe we can work something out ..

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL