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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
J
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
J Offline
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
I picked up a 261 engine with 3 spd and overdrive hooked to it. Truck this all came out of was a 62 Chevy 1/2 ton PU.

Would like help identifying the 3spd and overdrive. Engine is 59 or newer according to the ser. I have no idea about the transmission but think it may have been original to the '62 pickup.

Numbers on trans include: GM28 874348 00788
On the shift plate: 3845157 GM 23

On the very back of the trans just where it hooks to the overdrive unit there is a silver 'can' about the size of a campbell soup can. What's its function? (Darn I hate being so ignorant)

Overdrive numbers: RIOH-1A or it could be R10H-1A
Overdrive has what appears to be a solenoid though it also has a lever that hooks to a cable. On the donor truck (62 Chev) the cable went to the dash. Owner was unwilling to take cable off for me. If it shifts into OD manually what is the function of the solenoid?

Thanks for any help identifying this transmission and overdrive unit.

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
J
Wrench Fetcher
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J Offline
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Oops, forgot to add that on the OD under the RIOH it says: WG Div

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 327
O
Oly Offline
Cruising in the Passing Lane
Cruising in the Passing Lane
O Offline
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 327
jbinwa, looks like you hit a good score- congrats!!! It's a Muncie- A Borg-Warner T-85N Overdrive.

Here is a site to assist you- overdrive .

I think you will find out more there then I even know-LOL (which fits on the head of a needle)

If you 'think' you may want to rebuild it then you will need this page- rebuilding T-85N overdrive


Oly in Oregon

Rest in Peace

1945 GMC COE Victory Truck
1953 Willys CJ3B
1955 Chevy 1st series 3/4-ton
1958 WIFE Last series

Never say "Whoa" in a mud hole
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,351
L
'Bolter
'Bolter
L Offline
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Posts: 8,351
Sounds like you've got the SM318/Borg-warner overdrive. good trannies, I have one in mine. They're not too hard to overhaul, I'd suggest looking at a '55 manual, as it has a full section on this trans.
To answer the question about the cable and solenoid- the solenoid actually operates the o/d, engaging the planetary gearset that give the overdrive ratio. The cable operates the overrunning clutch, locking it out when the o/d isn't being used. Since you don't have the original cable, I'd suggest the you get a cable for a pto. They're a little pricey, I paid about $40, but they're much better for that application than a standard cable.


Bill Burmeister
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
J
Wrench Fetcher
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J Offline
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One more question: what is the other 'can' that isn't the solenoid and is at the very back of the transmission on the same side as the shift plate? In my original message I mentioned its about the size of a soup can and is on the drivers side and is at the very back of the tranny, not the overdrive.

I've looked at a number of manual transmissions in 51 years of driving but have not seen the likes of this. The solenoid I understand now that I have read up on the overdrive unit and would also like to understand this other 'can'.

Joined: Sep 2003
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2
Shop Shark
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That outher can is a govener switch. It allows the solenoid to be locked out until your speed is about 28 mph.
Tom

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J
Wrench Fetcher
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J Offline
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OK thanks for all the information. This site is a great resource but then you all knew that.

On the theory that you should beat a good thing to death, I'm going to ask one more question re. the 4 spd transmission that came out of the 53 1/2 ton:
Numbers on it 483 and 591568. When I took the top cover off everything looked good. No chipped teeth etc. Is this a boat anchor or is there some demand. I don't want to toss a good piece someone might need. Thanks for your response.

Joined: Apr 2005
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R
'Bolter
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If you plan to install the OD trans and hook it up to operate like the factory system you will also need a relay and a kick down switch with a bracket mounted near the accelerator linkage. Also the wiring to connect it all together.
Fred


1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
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J
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J Offline
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Fred, thanks for the tip. Anyone got or must I go to the wrecking yard :-) A schematic would be helpful so I know what I have to do. I did look at the overdrive link above but its a ways over my head. I better look at a stock setup and see how the factory did it.

Joined: Jul 2000
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L
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Posts: 581
Fifthave, a moderator here in the "Electrical Bay", has the kick down switches and relays here:

Fifth Avenue Parts Counter


You can also find them on ebay. That's where I got mine. You can get a wiring sub harness for the OD tranny from Jim Carter's


Larry Kephart
1937 Chevy Utility Express (Deerslayer)
1955 1st 3100 Chevy (BillyBob)
2017 Cadillac ATS-V (Elvira)
Boca Raton, Florida
e-mail: [email protected]

http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/1998/billybob.htm
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L
'Bolter
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You've got it backwards, the "can" that is at the back of the main trans, between the trans and o/d unit, is the solenoid. The other one is the governer switch. Both need to be hooked up correctly to allow for o/d operation.
You can use a headlamp relay in place of the factory type, I used a Standard/Blue Streak part #LR32, along with a dash mounted switch to shut the power off to the o/d when not in use.
While you have it apart, check the balk ring, they tend to lose their tension, and can prevent the o/d from working. I wasn't able to find replacements, but they can be squeezed back to get the tension needed.


Bill Burmeister
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'Bolter
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Bill Burmeister
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J
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Thanks to all who responded. I think we've about worn this one out but I'm much better informed and know what I have to do to have it operational and, I have the wiring diagrams and reference material. What a haul.
Jerry

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 327
O
Oly Offline
Cruising in the Passing Lane
Cruising in the Passing Lane
O Offline
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Posts: 327
Well, I don't 'think' ya can ever have to much information. I forgot to give you this one more link- Borg Warner overdrive wiring and pics


Oly in Oregon

Rest in Peace

1945 GMC COE Victory Truck
1953 Willys CJ3B
1955 Chevy 1st series 3/4-ton
1958 WIFE Last series

Never say "Whoa" in a mud hole
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
J
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
J Offline
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
OK sir, you win and its true you can't know too much. Thanks again to everyone who helped.
Jerry


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