The Ford Barn

wavey1us · 07-28-2025, 08:31 AM

Just purchased a 1929 Fordor with a Ryan Overdrive. Never driven a car with an overdrive. Does anyone have any suggestions on shifting speeds for overdrive? I notice there were three positions: All the back, center, and all the way forward. Any ideas of position indications?

katy · 07-28-2025, 09:17 AM

https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...-Overdrive.pdf

wavey1us · 07-28-2025, 09:36 AM

Thanks. Just wondering what the advantages/disadvantages between neutral and out of overdrive?

wavey1us · 07-28-2025, 09:36 AM

Also, what speeds are recommended for shifting into overdrive?

Ruth · 07-28-2025, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavey1us

Also, what speeds are recommended for shifting into overdrive?

I think once you drive your car you will know when to shift. I don't watch the speed. With my Mitchell I don't use O/D in first. After I get up to speed in 2nd, I will shift to O/D 2nd and usually leave it there for around town. Same with 3rd at higher speeds.

One thing you will really like is the neutral position because you can use it to downshift. From 3rd, put the Ryan in neutral, shift to second, then reengage the Ryan.

Hitman · 07-28-2025, 01:07 PM

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I usually drive an overdrive like a 4 speed, 1-3 in direct, final and 4th shift into overdrive. I generally do at 45 mph. You'll know when, the car will give the same signals at 3rd direct as it does when you go from 1st to 2nd.

The Ryan has straight cut gears and will be tough to down shift in.

Your three overdrive settings are overdrive, neutral, and direct drive. You'll probably still spend most of the time in direct drive with OD used at higher speeds.

Ruth · 07-28-2025, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitman

The Ryan has straight cut gears and will be tough to down shift in.

NOT TRUE! The Ryan has dogged gears similar to a constant mesh motorcycle transmission. Shifting has nothing to do either with the teeth.

Hitman · 07-28-2025, 03:31 PM

The straight cut gears and dogged gears are great transmissions, they wear quickly and do become difficult to shift. The main advantage of a dogged trans is the quicker shifts and ability to take abuse. Drive a car with a Ryan OD in it and you'll see.

There's a reason most modern vehicles and the Mitchell have helical cut gears and synchros.

nkaminar · 07-28-2025, 03:58 PM

Another advantage with having a neutral position in the overdrive is using it when stopped at a stop light. You don't grind first. Put the OD in neutral, put the transmission in first (no grinding), then after the light changes press in the clutch and put the OD in direct and start out like you normally would do. Use the neutral in the OD like you would normally use the neutral in the transmission.

Keeping the clutch depressed at a stop light just adds more wear to the thrust bearing in the engine.

07-28-2025, 08:31 AM	#1
wavey1us Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 3	Ryan Overdrive Operation Just purchased a 1929 Fordor with a Ryan Overdrive. Never driven a car with an overdrive. Does anyone have any suggestions on shifting speeds for overdrive? I notice there were three positions: All the back, center, and all the way forward. Any ideas of position indications?

07-28-2025, 09:17 AM	#2
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,707	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...-Overdrive.pdf __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

07-28-2025, 09:36 AM	#3
wavey1us Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 3	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation Thanks. Just wondering what the advantages/disadvantages between neutral and out of overdrive?

07-28-2025, 09:36 AM	#4
wavey1us Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 3	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation Also, what speeds are recommended for shifting into overdrive?

07-28-2025, 01:07 PM	#6
Hitman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 820	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I usually drive an overdrive like a 4 speed, 1-3 in direct, final and 4th shift into overdrive. I generally do at 45 mph. You'll know when, the car will give the same signals at 3rd direct as it does when you go from 1st to 2nd. The Ryan has straight cut gears and will be tough to down shift in. Your three overdrive settings are overdrive, neutral, and direct drive. You'll probably still spend most of the time in direct drive with OD used at higher speeds.

07-28-2025, 03:31 PM	#8
Hitman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 820	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation The straight cut gears and dogged gears are great transmissions, they wear quickly and do become difficult to shift. The main advantage of a dogged trans is the quicker shifts and ability to take abuse. Drive a car with a Ryan OD in it and you'll see. There's a reason most modern vehicles and the Mitchell have helical cut gears and synchros.

07-28-2025, 03:58 PM	#9
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,843	Re: Ryan Overdrive Operation Another advantage with having a neutral position in the overdrive is using it when stopped at a stop light. You don't grind first. Put the OD in neutral, put the transmission in first (no grinding), then after the light changes press in the clutch and put the OD in direct and start out like you normally would do. Use the neutral in the OD like you would normally use the neutral in the transmission. Keeping the clutch depressed at a stop light just adds more wear to the thrust bearing in the engine. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.