After an extensive search I finally located the overdrive gears I wanted for my t 5. Two days after installing the trans I took in on a 650 mile test run to the homecoming.
Almost made it too. About 1/2 hour out from Johns place 5th gear was missing in action! On arriving at the event I was assigned a spot in a building and I proceeded to pull out the trans for an autopsy .
It turns out I applied to much heat to the gear in order to slip it onto the shaft which destroyed the temper in the metal and ultimately the gear itself. With no replacement gear to be found the trans. went back together as a four speed. With a 4.57 rear end this was give me a rough top speed of about 58 mpg. which didn't sound to like something I wanted to do for a 650 mile trip home.
Fortunately I had a 3.90 third member in my truck that I had intended to put up for sale but ended up installing as to improve my top speed home, it worked.
Hot rod Lincoln worked his magic on my timing and carb adjustment and my little 235 happily screamed it's way home at and average 3000 rpm to give me roughly 65 mph, which with the original .73 overdrive and 4.57 gears I could reach at 2500 rpm, yet I gained a 2 mile a gallon average on the return trip with some severe head and cross winds, which I suspect is due to Hot Rods magic touch more so than the gearing.
All in all this was the best breakdown I ever had!! The event was superb , the people even better, and I can't even start to thank all those who helped me and those offered me help, I'm sure names were mentioned but I only managed to retain a bunch of letters by the time i got home.
I put the letters together and came up with O.D.S.S. , and I would like to thank all the member there for all the help and comradeship I received.
John
