Classic/Antique Car Repair: Overdrive tranny, speed overdrive, lethbridge alberta

Question
I have a 56 ford with a three speed overdrive. It keeps popping out of second gear. The local shop wants between 1500 and 2000 dollars to fix it. I have a line on a brand new never been used three speed for 400 dollars. I have been told that I can mate the tail piece (Overdrive unit) to the back of the three speed with no problems. Is this possible. My overdrive works perfectly. Thank you. (From: Alex Desjardins in Lethbridge, alberta)


Answer
Yes the case will bolt up with no problem but you still have to dissassemble both transmission as the tail (output) shafts are different. Putting the three speed in without the overdrive may not be an option as the rear end ration is different on the overdrive equipped car and will cause higher engine RPM at highway speeds.
Brad