[rotorwrench]

The T-85 with R11 is the tough one and was used even in pickups up thru 1972. They would fit the same bell housing if it is an early one but the tail shaft & U-joint knuckle is different (trucks just have a drive flange) plus the input is 1 1/16-inch 10-spline so the clutch plate is also different.

You would be fine with any of the 1952 through 1956 or so type Ford car or light pickup R10 OD transmissions and they would be less expensive than the later R11 units. You will need the bell housing from a 52 thru 53 ford or Mercury plus the clutch mechanism parts and the 3-speed column shift tube & linkages. You can get a reproduction harness from most of the resto parts sources. The relays and solenoids are available new from Randy Rundle at 5th Avenue Internet Garage or you can chance finding NOS or good used stuff off Flea-Pay. You'll also need a lock out control cable for under the dash. These transmissions are easier to find than the later units and will hold up well behind the flathead V8 as long as you take care of them and don't ignore them when they start to have any problems.


Most of the overdrive rear axle ratios were 3.9:1 so you might want to trade out the third member with someone who wants the taller ratio.