I'm running a T-85 o.d. trans with a 4.30 trac-loc in my 57 Ranchero.  I want to raise the governor cut-in/out speed from 20 mph to around 30-35 mph.  I think that the factory calibration is meant for a 3.89 to 4.11 rear gear and it's spinning too fast now.  I've never had one apart, but I imagine it has fly weights and springs like a distributor?  Does anyone have any information or advice?  Thanks
P.S. I'm new here. Great site!

FIGHT CONFORMITY! 

The factory calibration was around 28 MPH with 3.89 or 4.10 rear. I don't think there is a simple way to calibrate them. You might consider bypassing the governor and putting a toggle switch on the dash. Then you have complete control over it. Or just leave the overdrive handle pulled out in town and only push it in at highway speeds.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

That's what I'd do, just bypass the governor all together and do it with a switch. I had a '57 Ford with a T-85 and I just put a switch of the Hurst shifter and flipped the switch. Had a 6 speed x-mission.

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

Since I'd rather not use a switch and really like the automatic functioning of the stock O.D. system, I took a spare govenor apart today for a look-see. It functions more like a diaphram clutch centrifical assist than a distributer advance. It uses a coil spring with shims to adj. tension. I mounted it on my Dist. machine and determined the cut-in/out rpm.

Now I need to know what axle ratio a 1956 Merc 2 dr sedan with O.D. had and what size tires it came with because that's what this particular gov. came from. With that info I can get a rough idea of the correct RPM and spring tention for my application.

Thanks

FIGHT CONFORMITY! 

Should be the same, a '56 Ford had a 4:10 and 6:70X15 tires. I just got a 6" input shaft so I'm ready to put a T-85 in my '56. I have to tear two transmissions apart to make one but I'll do that next week. I've got everything I need now to do the job. I'm just going to do the switch thingy. No governor, relay or kick down switch.

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

The governor is currently out of commission on my ’50 Ford and I simply put a toggle switch in its place.  The problem with the switch is constantly remembering to turn ‘off’ the solenoid when coming to a stop.  I catch this when I go to take off again and realize I’m taking off in first and overdrive.  This ends up being more than a nuisance as there are others who also drive this vehicle who are less familiar with overdrive operation than myself.  As such, I will repair the governor so the overdrive function becomes more automatic as originally designed.

 

On my ’55 Customline, I did do away with the kickdown switch due to switching over to electronic ignition and not wanting to essentially short out the ignition circuit to let the solenoid kick out.  On that car, I installed a normally closed button that momentarily cuts the voltage to the solenoid so the overdrive can be dropped out for passing purposes.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

One thing to consider is the terrain you will be driving on. Mine's wired just to a toggle switch, and I don't use overdrive until I get out on a four lane highway. With our winding roads and the occasional horse and buggy, there's not enough straight road to use overdrive so starting out in overdrive 1st isn't a problem.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

Those that spend a lot of time on city streets may like a toggle in the governor or relay circuit, which besides saving solenoid wear, also gives the advantage of continuous free-wheeling.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I like the free wheeling part. I have a bum left leg, and it saves me from having to lift it up on the clutch pedal as much.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

Hello everyone, I'm a new member and do not see a place to introduce myself. Since I wanted to reply to this thread I thought this would be as good a place as any. I am from the Waco, Texas area.

On the topic of freewheeling, I agree that it is wonderful for in town driving, I just wanted to say to go easy on the one-way clutch, because it doesn't like froghopping. They are easy to tear up if you get a little aggressive with the driving. I don't usually lock out for town, but am careful, as I know all of you are.



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!