[KULTULZ]

CONTINUATION of POST #75

TEXT SOURCE - https://www.ctci.org/fordomatic-tran...dentification/

The first Cruise-o-matic (C/M) 3 three speed dual range transmissions were built in 1958. During 1958/59 their were twelve different applications of the C/M transmission. Most if not all can be adapted to the 55-57 Thunderbirds. The shifter lever must be correct, the output shaft housing must be the correct length and the bolt pattern to the bell housing must be as follows. Top holes 8″ from center to center, bottom holes 11″ center to center and bottom to top 5 5/8″ center to center.

In 1960, 61, 62 the C/M transmission was not available. The following transmissions were available FM, FM 2, FX light duty, MX heavy duty. Most of which could be adapted to the 1955-57 Thundebirds.

In 1963 the C/M reappeared in the 1963 Thunderbirds it had a vacuum modulator to promote a smoother shift. 1963 was the last year the C/M transmissions were used.

The terms FORD-O-MATIC and CRUISE-O-MATIC were descriptive advertising names for FORD AT during that time period. Variations incl. MERC-O-MATIC and TURBO-DRIVE among others.

See Chart From 1960/64 MPC Below-

The DUAL RANGE CM was introduced in 1958. The throttle valve (1951-1960) was replaced with a vacuum modulator valve on the 1961 model run.

The DUAL RANGE (Green Dot) C4 and C6 were also referred to as CRUISE-O-MATIC during this period. It was a marketing term.

SELECT-SHIFT (P-R-N-D-L) began phasing in on the some 1966 models and most everything was SELECT-SHIFT by 1969-70.

The FMX was a complete redesign (FM-FX-MX) after FOMOCO bought all rights from BW (1968). It is basically a MX stuffed into an FX case. The rear pump was eliminated to make the room for the internals. The FMX was continued in use as FOMOCO could not keep up with C4/C6 production. It is a strong transmission.

You can see how different writers can easily confuse a not so confusing subject.