I guess the question is what year is the T-85.  The one I took out of my Merc used the older ( pre 57) style cable/speedo gear and the T-5 I replaced it with used 57 and up style cable/speedo gear. Either style is readily availible . The pre 57 stuff can be purchased from anybody that caters to older fords or Tbirds  and the later style can use the Lokar cable that I used.

Both are 5/8 at the speedo head but pre 57 used a different style speedo gear. Check a tbird parts catalog and you can see pictures of each. Could be that the hole you speak of that receives the speedo gear may be of a different size for the different styles. That may be one way to tell what you have.

pete

OK Pete, how does that cable work? I have a T-85 overdrive that I need a cable for. I don't have anything in the transmission just a hole. I assume my 56 cable won't work so will have to replace the whole thing. I think T-bird has the parts that go inside the transmission and probably the cable too .. ??

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

Thanks for the info Pete. That looks like a good way to go. Dave

SE Wis

Been too long to remember contact info but located a service to build a cable.  Believe they were in Michigan.  Sent old cable to them and necessary over all cable length.  Taped instructions to the old cable that new cable was to have this end and on the other that the new cable was to fit the 'Stang tranny.  Worked great.  Think my driven gear is a 21.

TC

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

56 cable at the transmission end is different than the 57 . So the 57 will work but the 56 will not.

Lokar makes a universal, cut to fit, cable that works like a champ and looks original. The part # from Summit is LOK-SP1502U and it lists for $65.95. I just did the t-5 conversion in my 56 Merc and this cable did the trick. You will need to supply the proper speedo gear which can be purchased from any of the ford, Tbird or Mustang parts houses. There is also quite a selection on ebay. The speedo cable kit comes with all necessary hardware to attach the gear.

Pete

Thanks for the info. It surprises me that the original cable hooks right up. Thats great. Just hope the tranny I'm getting was from a mechanical speedo. Thanks again.  Dave

SE Wis

Just finished my T5 installation in my 57 Ford. Mine also came out of an 89 Mustang. I just put the original cable & gear back in. I only drove it once, but it worked fine. I just need the right gear for it.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

At least some of them were electronic. I'm still using the mechanical speedo with my T5. So it will work on a '61 F100. Can't say for sure about a '56.


Lawrenceville, GA

Still doing research to install a T5 trans into my 56 victoria. I found a tranny from a 89 Mustang 5.0 totally rebuilt. Picking it up Monday. Located the clutch needed from J Mummert. Wandering what is going to be needed for the speedometer cable. Was the Mustang an electronic speedometer?  Thanks again.  Dave.

SE Wis