The Ford Barn

markmp1 · 12-02-2023, 05:59 PM

This is a picture of the overdrive on the rear axle of my 1931 Deluxe Roadster. It is activated by a lever between the stick shift and emergency brake. Does anyone have any information about it? Thanks!

Herb Concord Ca · 12-02-2023, 06:40 PM

I think that is a Columbia O/D. uses vacuum to operate it. Don't know much about it.

Gene F · 12-02-2023, 07:13 PM

BTW, does it work?

Bob C · 12-02-2023, 07:28 PM

That looks like Twin-X. Highway Speed 2.84:1, Traffic Speed 3.93:1.
There is a picture at this link. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176490

Ray in La Mesa · 12-02-2023, 08:05 PM

Not Columbia, could be a Twin-X like Bob C says.

mcgarrett · 12-02-2023, 08:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

How is it shifted?

AzBob · 12-02-2023, 10:56 PM

Looks similar to a Ruckstell 2 speed axle for the Model T.

markmp1 · 12-03-2023, 01:44 AM

There is a shift lever between the stick shift and emergency brake which is pulled back to engage it. (They are connected via a steel rod)

markmp1 · 12-03-2023, 01:47 AM

It works well, essentially giving you three higher gears when it is engaged.

old31 · 12-03-2023, 08:50 AM

Very curious.

How in the heck does a 2 speed rear end work? When you pull the lever back, what is happening internally to make the gear change? How does it jump from one pinion to the next?

katy · 12-03-2023, 09:48 AM

As AzBob said, it looks similar to a Ruckstell which has a planetary gear set in it.

Jeff in BC · 12-03-2023, 05:52 PM

Here's an ad from Montgomery Ward Winter sale flyer ending Feb. 28 1929.
I know this is for a T or TT but they may have been made for A and AA as well.
I included the whole page just for fun.

Jeff

12-02-2023, 06:40 PM	#2
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 637	Re: Overdrive I think that is a Columbia O/D. uses vacuum to operate it. Don't know much about it.

12-02-2023, 07:13 PM	#3
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,973	Re: Overdrive BTW, does it work?

12-02-2023, 07:28 PM	#4
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,754	Re: Overdrive That looks like Twin-X. Highway Speed 2.84:1, Traffic Speed 3.93:1. There is a picture at this link. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176490 Last edited by Bob C; 12-02-2023 at 10:11 PM.

12-02-2023, 08:05 PM	#5
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,166	Re: Overdrive Not Columbia, could be a Twin-X like Bob C says.

12-02-2023, 08:10 PM	#6
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Overdrive Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) How is it shifted?

12-02-2023, 10:56 PM	#7
AzBob Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 130	Re: Overdrive Looks similar to a Ruckstell 2 speed axle for the Model T.

12-03-2023, 01:44 AM	#8
markmp1 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2023 Posts: 3	Re: Overdrive There is a shift lever between the stick shift and emergency brake which is pulled back to engage it. (They are connected via a steel rod) Last edited by markmp1; 12-03-2023 at 01:59 AM. Reason: Added information

12-03-2023, 01:47 AM	#9
markmp1 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2023 Posts: 3	Re: Overdrive It works well, essentially giving you three higher gears when it is engaged.

12-03-2023, 08:50 AM	#10
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,101	Re: Overdrive Very curious. How in the heck does a 2 speed rear end work? When you pull the lever back, what is happening internally to make the gear change? How does it jump from one pinion to the next?

12-03-2023, 09:48 AM	#11
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Overdrive As AzBob said, it looks similar to a Ruckstell which has a planetary gear set in it. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!