The Ford Barn

tubman · 04-08-2017, 09:45 AM

I don't want to hijack the thread by "old guy rich", so I'll start a new one. I have two Ford OD transmissions, a '50 and a '51. I read somewhere that you can check the OD unit by either engaging and disengaging the OD, and turning the output shaft. In one case you should be able to turn the output shaft while holding the input shaft because of the "freewheeling feature. I've tried this on both of my transmissions in both positions, and I can't get them to do this. How much effort should it take? I have arthritis in my right hand and it doesn't have much strength. Also, it's hard to get a grip on the output shaft. Should I put a slip joint on the shaft to get a better grip. Should it turn easily or should it take some effort? I believe it should be in overdrive mode when doing this so it freewheels.

I have always wanted to have an overdrive in my '51, and "Rich's" thread has re-invigorated me. If the '50 is good and the '51 is bad, I think I would have to change the guts, because the '50 and '51 tailhousings are different. How difficult is this? I have rebuilt a few transmissions, so I'm not entirely without experience (or snap ring pliers).

04-08-2017, 09:45 AM	#1
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 11,639	Checking an overdrive unit I don't want to hijack the thread by "old guy rich", so I'll start a new one. I have two Ford OD transmissions, a '50 and a '51. I read somewhere that you can check the OD unit by either engaging and disengaging the OD, and turning the output shaft. In one case you should be able to turn the output shaft while holding the input shaft because of the "freewheeling feature. I've tried this on both of my transmissions in both positions, and I can't get them to do this. How much effort should it take? I have arthritis in my right hand and it doesn't have much strength. Also, it's hard to get a grip on the output shaft. Should I put a slip joint on the shaft to get a better grip. Should it turn easily or should it take some effort? I believe it should be in overdrive mode when doing this so it freewheels. I have always wanted to have an overdrive in my '51, and "Rich's" thread has re-invigorated me. If the '50 is good and the '51 is bad, I think I would have to change the guts, because the '50 and '51 tailhousings are different. How difficult is this? I have rebuilt a few transmissions, so I'm not entirely without experience (or snap ring pliers).