dearborn three speed
 

What years and what models was the ford three speed available in the gto? I have one and want to sell it but unsure what years it will fit correctly

I had one in my '68 GTO , Sucker was heavy too... I am thinking it was the standard Trans when you did not order and automatic and did Not order a console.

The Dearborn was introduced in mid Feb '64 as the 2nd design HD 3 spd for all full size models as an Extra Cost option.

It continued as a full size model option in '65.

In March '65, the Dearborn was introduced as the HD 3 spd for all Tempest models (including GTO) as an Extra Cost option.

The Tempest version was the same as the one for the full size with the exception of the extension assembly, main shaft, and speedo drive gear according to SCN No. 3 dated April, '65.

It remained an extra cost option for the Tempest series thru '67. According to the late Eric White's GTO ID Guide, for '67 the column shifted Saginaw 3 spd was std. equipment for the GTO, but the floor shifted Dearborn was a No Cost option that year.

It became the std. (base) equipment 3 spd for the '68 GTO and remained the same for the '69 GTO.

According to the late Eric White's GTO ID Guide, it was discontinued at the end of the '69 Model Year, replaced for the '70 GTO by a HD Muncie 3 spd.

While it was std. for the '68/'69 GTO, I believe it remained optional for any other Tempest those years.

It was also offered by Olds and Buick.

I know less about the F body but I believe the Dearborn was also offered as an extra cost option in the '67-'69 Firebirds (but not the Camaro).

It was std. equipment with the Firebird 400, I believe optional with all other Firebirds.

Same as with the GTO, I believe the Dearborn 3 spd was replaced by the HD Muncie 3 spd for the '70 Model Year Firebird.

As for what models/years your particular Dearborn would fit, I have no idea.

I'm sure for the guys that want them, it would be important to know length, input and output spline count, location of the speedo connection, gear ratios, and probably for the numbers matching guys, casting nos. on the cases and other components.

There is likely a stamped partial VIN somewhere on it, actually in 2 places according to Eric's book. That could help ID what Model it was original to especially if it shows a PMD VIN (first character 2) and was from a Tempest only Plant or a Firebird only Plant.

Hope this helps. I am just regurgitating what I read, maybe a Dearborn expert will jump in. Seems even many Ford guys know little about the Dearborns used by GM. There is probably some interchangeability of certain parts with the Ford applications although I'm guessing not for direct fit.

II think the HD units came in the 63 SD Swiss Cheese cars!Tom

Had a 69 hardtop goat years ago with one. Funny how it felt "Ford"! If you ever drove a 5.0 Mustang in the 80's or 90's you'd recognize that Ford feel. Very durable transmission (way better than the Saginaw 3 and 4 spd manuals from GM) but no matter how hard you try you just can't get that butter smooth shift feel you get in a muncie.

But honestly the main problem with them is that you have to look down at your shuffling feet when someone looks in your car and says; "cool you got a 4 speed" ;-)

They are the reason Pontiac belhousings have 8 bolt holes on the back to receive the tranny, the DB13 sits at a different angle than Muncies and Saginaws

John I have ALWAYS found your posts to be very informing so don't say your "just regurgitating" I personally would know a hell of a lot less if you didn't.

So not a big market for em I guess. I have read that roundy round guys love em cause the gear spread is good and because they are essentially a ford toploader 4 speed minus a gear they are virtually unbreakable.

Just gonna toss it up on the local CL for a few hundred bucks and pray. tom s don't be supposed to see it in a CL near you ;)

There has been Dearborn and M13 Muncies that were over 1 year OLDER than the car they were installed in. I have owned 2 Numbers cars this way.

I have two of those Dearborn transmissions. One I removed from a '65 GTO, the other was in a '67 GTO. I got them in the '74-'75 time frame.
I used one for a while in my '67, and it had a killer 2nd gear.

I have one in my 1968 Lemans HO. These Dearborn 3 speed transmissions were super tough....tougher than the M22 Rockcrusher 4 speed.

theres a guy on V8buick thats looking for one..

if you post it here, i will send him the link..if i can find his post again..

theres many out there...they just didnt break, they where just about bullet proof..

i scrapped 4 when i moved..i tried and tried to sell them, but not takers at even 50 bux each..just too heavy to ship etc

Make sure you include the yoke in the sale - IIRC it is specific to the dearborn (has a different spline count...one off I believe...than a muncie).

I don't know North. I have a M20 in my Judge and a top loader 4 speed in my Torino and the toploader is smoother and easier to find gears then the Muncie trans.

Back in the late 90's I worked on a '72 GTO. Original owner, he traded is '65 GTO rust-bucket (his description) in '71 to buy the '72. I was shocked when he told me it was a 3-speed manual, and original to the car. I was MORE shocked when I pulled it and realized how freaking heavy it was!

Hey Mark just give him my email if you find the ad again or email me a link I'd love to ditch this heavy piece of cast iron


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Is this a Judge thread?

Were 3 speeds used in the judge?

Part of the question is identifying the years and uses of them in the A body platform which I believe includes the judge, making it a judge thread.

the standard trans and rear axle in the Judge option were the exact same as in a base GTO; DB 3 speed and 3.55 open axle

:):):)

^^^^ What he said X2.
Got one in one of my 69 Judges. Hell of a heavy little beast. Still original and never been rebuilt. Butter smooth with the best 2 gear. Different but I like it.