The Ford Barn

Dave in MN · 02-25-2022, 11:25 PM

I have both. The standard Model A 3- speed and a 26% Mitchell in a '29 Phaeton that I have driven just short of 100,000 miles. I also have a T-5 in a '31 S/W Town Sedan that has been driven about 30,000 miles.

The T-5 is very easy to use and shift but getting the original brakes to work with it was difficult as the centerline of the driveshaft U- Joint and the brake cross shaft are no longer in the same location. I fought the issue for thousands of miles and while doing so had marginal brakes. I finally switched to hydraulic brakes to eliminate the problem.

I actually prefer the Mitchel overdrive. It has been trouble free for all the miles I have put on it. It is a good piece of machinery and less expensive overall than the T-5 due to when I installed it over 20 years ago. Just my opinion and preferences.
Good Day!

02-25-2022, 11:25 PM	#11
Dave in MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jordan, MN Posts: 1,416	Re: T 5 5 speed VS Mitchell Transmission with overdrive I have both. The standard Model A 3- speed and a 26% Mitchell in a '29 Phaeton that I have driven just short of 100,000 miles. I also have a T-5 in a '31 S/W Town Sedan that has been driven about 30,000 miles. The T-5 is very easy to use and shift but getting the original brakes to work with it was difficult as the centerline of the driveshaft U- Joint and the brake cross shaft are no longer in the same location. I fought the issue for thousands of miles and while doing so had marginal brakes. I finally switched to hydraulic brakes to eliminate the problem. I actually prefer the Mitchel overdrive. It has been trouble free for all the miles I have put on it. It is a good piece of machinery and less expensive overall than the T-5 due to when I installed it over 20 years ago. Just my opinion and preferences. Good Day!