The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3-speed overdrive tranny

Just fired up my newly built 261 tonight. Will try to post some pics one of these days. Now need info on my tranny. It is a 3-spd. syncro OD from a mid-60's Chevy. Vehicle is '56 Chevy 3100.

Here's the problem:

The T-handle and cable are installed and connected to the transmission, but.....I'm missing the governor so cannot wire up the solenoid and a kick down to make it fully functional as originally intended. Is it possible to plug the governor hole and just use the manual cable to take advantage of the overdrive on the highway and then disengage it when in town or is this even an option? :confused:

56picup,

Without the governor to complete the electrical circuit, I don't think the overdrive will engage. One thing you need to be careful of though is the freewheeling part of the overdrive.

If you have the cable pushed in, the freewheeling clutch is enabled and the vehicle will freewheel if you back off on the gas. When parked, it will also roll forward if you don't put the gear shift in reverse. There is a lockout that disables free wheeling when in reverse. So run with the O/D cable pulled out or make darn sure you put it in reverse when you park. Otherwise it might not be there when you come back

Forget the governor, kickdown and other assorted relays and ignition cutout wiring, the parts havent been available for years. It's not necessary to remove the governor, just don't wire it. Power the solenoid from a 12V source and use a toggle switch to engage it. Let your brain be the governor, don't lug the engine in OD or you'll chew up the planetary gears and roller cage for the freewheeling clutch.

sixpack

As there is no governor at all, can I just screw a plug into the trans case, put in the toggle switch, and go?

For what I want, I can do without the kickdown and assorted other electrical stuff even though it would be nice. I named this project "built to drive"--no fancy stuff--no power anything, no AC, no crate motor/TH 350, even kept my foot starter.

56picup,

You'll probably be OK plugging the governor fitting, since you don't have one! The function of the governor is to prevent engagement of the solenoid below a certain RPM range, sort of like a little tachometer sending unit. I have a shop manual someplace on these OD's - I'll check to see if removing the gov could have any ill effects.

Try this link T85-N O/D transmission It is the best information I have seen. I may be of some help if you email me.

I had a problem with my three speed OD. I was able to find the part in a junkyard that specializes in old iron. I ended up buying the whole trans. Tom Langdon also had some OD parts at the time. Also LMS had some stuff also. Basically, if you keep digging you might find what you need. I really like my 3 speed OD and think it is worth the effort to find the parts.

56 picup,
I think I can help you out, as a fellow Husker and 3 speed OD owner. They are great trannies and the stuff is available, even the relays if you want to go that far and spend the money. I am running the toggle switch method now and it's not that bad, but will update to the relays as the funds allow, they are both 75 bucks a shot. There is even a junk yard in Eagle, NE that should have your missing piece, if not I know another more reliable place that probably has a used one.

Willy 57
Working in CT, but will always is a Husker.

Thanks to all of you who responded here on the board and with e-mails. Got my valves set and carb adjusted yesterday.

Found a governor this morning. Will pick up a kickdown switch next week and see if it is possible to get everything going. If not, looks like a togggle switch and will still get it on the road.