Classic/Antique Car Repair: T86 w/R10 OD, ford ranch, best of both worlds

Question
I forgot to ask.  Why the pull handle for the OD ?  It seems strange to me that an OD unit with governor would employ a pull cable.  As you can see,  I know nothing about these old manual trannys. I got tired of seeing all the Camaros and Mustangs,  Chevelles, and decided to restore a 58 Ford Ranch wagon w/57 running gear. I used to just take the 60s automatic trannys and have them built for me.

Answer
You have the best of both worlds with an overdrive - you can pull the handle out (only when the car is stopped and you are in reverse or neutral) and drive the car as if it had a 3 speed manual transmission, or you can push the handle all the way in to allow the overdrive to operate, which gives you a 30% reduction in RPM for longer engine life, much better gas mileage, and the ability to shift without using the clutch at speeds below the cut-in speed for the overdrive.  Overdrive cars usually have a higher gear ratio in the rear axle, so you get better performance, better gas mileage and something to do with your left foot while you are driving - none of these are available in an automatic transmission car!

When you are driving in slippery conditions or in mountainous terrain, you need to lock the overdrive out (stop the car, shift to neutral or reverse,  and pull out the handle all the way) because with the overdrive enabled (handle in) your car will "free wheel" or coast (meaning you won't have any engine braking!) below the governed speed, and that will wear out your brakes fast on a downhill grade!  It is unsafe to use the overdrive except on dry, flat terrain - but where you can use it, you'll learn to love it!

Make sure you fill both the transmission case AND the overdrive case (they are separate, with separate filler plugs!), with GL-4 grease - SAE140W is the best choice for these.

Most of my old cars have overdrive - I wouldn't be without it!

You need to get yourself an owner's manual for this car - there is more to know about this accessory - and if you don't know it, you'll never appreciate all its features.  (Passing gear, for example).  Watch eBay for an owner's manual, or contact one of the auto literature dealers for one.  I use Ed Faxon at www.faxonautolit.com, but there are many others.

Dick