F150 tranny with overdrive

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Kirby1374

after reading the info and looking at the F150 trans installed I don't know which way I want to go. T5 or the ford tranny. Has anyone driven both? I mean driven one with the T5 and then one with the Ford. It sounds like the same amount of money. I know the guys on the HAMB favor the T5 and several Model A Tourers (is that a word?) prefer the Ford. Does the T5 have more of a high performance car feel vs. the Ford?
Thanks,

I and several friends have the F150 and all love it. Another friend has the T5 and loves it. The major downside to the T5 I have heard is that it requires a brake modification; the brake mod that comes with the kit is reported to be woefully inadequate, such that you really must convert to hydraulics. If you haven't already done that and don't want to, my understanding is that the F150 is the way to go.

The other major T5 concern is the absence of the torque tube, which some feel plays a crucial structural role. On the other hand, T5'ers are happy.

My only regret about my F150 is that 1st and 2nd gear are the same as Model A stock; I wish they were higher. But, if I were seriously interested in optimizing gear ratios, I would have gotten a Mitchell gear splitter OD and had 6 gear ratios to play with--too many levers for my taste.

Steve

[Kirby1374]

Originally Posted by steve s

I and several friends have the F150 and all love it. Another friend has the T5 and loves it. The major downside to the T5 I have heard is that it requires a brake modification; the brake mod that comes with the kit is reported to be woefully inadequate, such that you really must convert to hydraulics. If you haven't already done that and don't want to, my understanding is that the F150 is the way to go.

The other major T5 concern is the absence of the torque tube, which some feel plays a crucial structural role. On the other hand, T5'ers are happy.

My only regret about my F150 is that 1st and 2nd gear are the same as Model A stock; I wish they were higher. But, if I were seriously interested in optimizing gear ratios, I would have gotten a Mitchell gear splitter OD and had 6 gear ratios to play with--too many levers for my taste.

Steve

Thanks Steve. Sounds like then the T5 offers a little more as far as gear ratios are concerned.

[john in illinois]

there are two first gear ratios for F150's.One is higher than stock model A. I have heard that first gear in a T-5 is too low for normal use,but I haven't driven one.Lots of variables.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by john in illinois

there are two first gear ratios for F150's.One is higher than stock model A. I have heard that first gear in a T-5 is too low for normal use,but I haven't driven one.Lots of variables.

AL's table was news to me. Great info, first time I've seen it in any of the many many F150 threads we've had over the years. However, it looks like the higher 1st/2nd ratios also give 38% OD--yikes! I've got a Brumfield head, but still, that seems pretty steep for a town sedan.

My recollection is that there are MANY gear sets available for the T5, but, then, consider the source. The low low would be dandy for parades, if that's your thing. Smart to keep researching.

Steve

[AL in NY]

Nice input on the differences between the T-5 and the F150. Too many other modifications to perform just to gain OD. Like you said, if you remove the torque tube, you have to add something to control the acceleration and braking torque of the rear axle.

[dmaxweb]

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Originally Posted by AL in NY

Nice input on the differences between the T-5 and the F150. Too many other modifications to perform just to gain OD. Like you said, if you remove the torque tube, you have to add something to control the acceleration and braking torque of the rear axle.

From all I have read here, the Mitchell Overdrive sounds like an easer way to go.

[Deuce Man]

Shifter on the rts is closest to original. The t5 comes up through the floor quite a way farther aft. Rich

[wensum]

Model A adaptors 004.jpg

Model A adaptors 005.jpg

Model A adaptors 006.jpg
The photos show a bell housing adaptor made in New Zealand by Mac's Speed shop and sold in the States. (I don't know who by)
This alloy casting includes the shaft for the clutch forks and pedals left or right hand drive
It is a simple bolt-on job for the F150 gearbox, but because the input shaft spline starts further back than the Model A one, a special offset clutch plate has to be made.
In this installation, there is also a quick change rear end and consequently there is also an open prop shaft

[brokenspoke]

Originally Posted by steve s

I and several friends have the F150 and all love it. Another friend has the T5 and loves it. The major downside to the T5 I have heard is that it requires a brake modification; the brake mod that comes with the kit is reported to be woefully inadequate, such that you really must convert to hydraulics. If you haven't already done that and don't want to, my understanding is that the F150 is the way to go.

The other major T5 concern is the absence of the torque tube, which some feel plays a crucial structural role. On the other hand, T5'ers are happy.

My only regret about my F150 is that 1st and 2nd gear are the same as Model A stock; I wish they were higher. But, if I were seriously interested in optimizing gear ratios, I would have gotten a Mitchell gear splitter OD and had 6 gear ratios to play with--too many levers for my taste.

Steve

I used a T-5 out of a 4 wheel drive S10 and kept the torque tube....