Transmission / Overdrive: Studebaker Avanti TKO 5 speed install - how to

[sbca96]

Picture location updated on 11/24/08 - Tom

The candidate for this install is a 1963 Studebaker Avanti :



Current transmission is a base model T86 3 speed truck transmission :





Transmission going in - a '90s TKO TR-3550 5 speed w/Pro 5.0 shifter :



Received kit from Dan Giblin :



I immediately had it CAT scanned :





Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: TKO 5-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[Transtar60]

Hey Tom,
Not that it matters now but T-86 is car transmission.
The 3 speed V8 trucks used T-85C's/T89's


3E38
4E2
4E28
5E13
7E7
8E7
8E12
8E28

59 Lark
etc

[studezilla]

Tom, Was that picture taken in Lompoc, CA?

[sbca96]

Interesting, I was told the T86 was a "truck trans", but you are right
it doesnt really matter now.

Actually, all the pictures except the one of the TKO were taken in the
City of Lompoc, Ca. That IS my TKO, but the picture was taken in the
City of Canoga Park, Ca .. by the shop I bought it from.

Before I get a bunch of emails asking for the T86, its already sold,
and will be on its way to the City of Los Angeles once removed. Funny,
I guess that keeps the transmission balance in the world equal.

This thread will take some time, as I am doing what I can, when I can,
and, as always, the "drivers" come first.[B)]

Tom

[studezilla]

Tom, Who does your machine work here in Lompoc?

[sbca96]

The TKO kit is made by Dan Giblin, he has a post on this forum which
lists what it costs and includes. For all my machine work I have had
done by a co-worker in our shop. I am having the bearing retainer done
to the 4.677 diameter according to Dan's notes. I removed the retainer
last night. I found a website that explains how to remove it without
disturbing the input shaft :

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/techref.html

This site has PDF files on how to rebuild the TKO, T56 and T5 manual
transmissions - worth a download.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/09/transmissions/

Tom

[sbca96]

Out of the box, and into the backside of a 16 inch Camaro rim for the
removal of the bearing retainer. One thing to notice here, some numb
nuts used high temp RTV on the bearing retainer already, but you are
supposed to use an Anaerobic Sealant (ET-M29) on the bearing retainer
and the tailshaft housing.





So you remove these four bolts, then break the sealant by using the
two slots created in the retainer to get a screwdriver in. You can
see it on the outside diameter just below the top left bolt :





Be sure to keep pressure on the input shaft to keep it from coming out
with the bearing retainer. The bearing retainer centers on the bearing
race thats pushed into the case. The outer diameter of the retainer is
what centers the transmission into the bellhousing.



Ready to go into the South Bend Lathe at my work.



Tom

[bams50]

Tom-

I'm following this with great interest as I'm going this route over the T-10 for my Lark project. Thanks for taking the time to post this thread!

I'll be watching...

Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131

[gibbsr1]

Tom, don't loose those shims

[sbca96]

Your welcome Bob, and dont worry Gibbs, thats why their on the vent!

Tom

[sbca96]

The bearing retainer is now at the 4.677 outside diameter. We found
that the throwout bearing surface was .005 out compared to the outer
diameter that centers the transmission. Checking the inner diameter
that centers on the input shaft bearing, we found that was the same as
the outer diameter. That means the throwout bearing surface might not
be the best place to indicate too. Bobby readjusted the lathe to use
the inner diameter to indicate off of. Then the outer was dead on. So
in conclusion - chuck the bearing retainer on the throwout bearing dia
but be sure to dial in the lathe on the inner bearing surface.

I hope that makes sense.

Tom

[Flat Ernie]

For these modern aluminum case trannys, I shim to the tight end of spec for end play - particularly the T5. I've no experience with the bigger Tremecs though, but would probably treat them the same were it mine...

Daddy always said, if yer gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough & I'm one tough sumbitch!

[blackhawk]

quote:Interesting, I was told the T86 was a "truck trans", but you are right
it doesnt really matter now.
Tom

As an aside, that T86 could indeed be a truck transmission. If it has straight cut gears in low and 2nd, it is a truck transmission. I have a T86 in my '61 champ pickup behind a 259 V8. I also remember a local '55 pickup with V8 engine and T86 OD tranny. Also, my Dad's '56 pickup has a T86 and V8. The T86 with straight cut gears was also used behind the 6 cyl. engines in trucks for many years. The input shaft was different between the transmission for the 6s and V8s, obviously, but the rest of the transmission was the same. Dale

[JoeHall]

As for T85 vs. T86 transmissions, when it comes to the innards there is a world of difference. The T85 is very similar to a T10, with some of the parts even inter changable, i.e. the synchronizers. Compared to the T85, the T86 looks like something for a riding lawnmower. Also, when it comes to abuse the T85 is just about bullet proof, whereas the T86 is best handled gently.

Joe H

[Allan Songer]

quote:Originally posted by JoeHall

As for T85 vs. T86 transmissions, when it comes to the innards there is a world of difference. The T85 is very similar to a T10, with some of the parts even inter changable, i.e. the synchronizers. Compared to the T85, the T86 looks like something for a riding lawnmower. Also, when it comes to abuse the T85 is just about bullet proof, whereas the T86 is best handled gently.

Joe H

Our '55 E7 has the T85, but I'm sure it's not the original transmission.

Was the T85 optional on V8 pickups?