Model T one ton truck overdrive

[Doodlebug1930]

Does anyone know about an overdrive unit made by the Tractor Train Co. of Indiana? The unit is located between the transmission and the differential. Any information would be appreciated.

[M2M]

Need better photos but it seems to be the TT version of the Moore auxiliary transmission which was made by both the Tractor Train Co. of Indiana, and the Tractor Train Co. of Los Angeles. Both overdrive or underdrive versions were made...what's the stamped serial number on it? Any patent dates on the casting?

I have the Model T passenger car version of the Moore transmission.

If it's an overdrive, and the condition of the gears and parts inside are good, and you have the special shifter for it plus the cut down driveshaft, you've made a good find.

Problem is often they're beat up on the inside and/or missing the shifter. Good used parts are not easy to find. New parts can be made but it's often not cost effective to do so as they sell brand new Warford TT aux. transmissions.

[tmodelman]

May be the underdrive unit, those seemed to have been marketed by Tractor -Train, Indiana. Tractor -Train , CA, had mostly car models, and some truck, that were overdrive.


These ads from 1923, and shows the underdrive unit that doubles the TT power.

[M2M]

Just noticed, does that TT also have a chassis extension?

tmodelman, Tractor Train Co. of Los Angeles did offer both the overdrive and underdrive version for both trucks and cars according to brochures and ads.

[Doodlebug1930]

M2M,
My uncle has gifted me a 1930? Doodlebug. The front half is Model A while the back half is TT truck. I felt that this overdrive unit had to be something unique. The overdrive unit works fine. I fabricated my own lever to engage it. Can't find a patent date, but the serial # is U3885. I would think it would use 600W lube? Thank you for all of your information.

[Doodlebug1930]

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tmodelman,
Thank you very much for the information you provided. It will be of great help.

[Doodlebug1930]

Images

[M2M]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug1930

M2M,
My uncle has gifted me a 1930? Doodlebug. The front half is Model A while the back half is TT truck. I felt that this overdrive unit had to be something unique. The overdrive unit works fine. I fabricated my own lever to engage it. Can't find a patent date, but the serial # is U3885. I would think it would use 600W lube? Thank you for all of your information.

You call it an overdrive but the "U" in the serial # tells us it is an underdrive. You may still be correct because these transmissions can be modified from underdrive to overdrive or vice versa.

[M2M]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug1930

M2M,
I would think it would use 600W lube?

I think old school 600W or modern 140W would both be fine just make sure they're the yellow metal friendly GL-3 standard or older, not modern GL-4 or GL-5.

[Doodlebug1930]

Thanks once again for the helpful info.

[Liberty Garage]

Nice doodlebug! I'm wondering if there is any chance that the rear differential on your doodlebug is actually model AA? I've gone thru a steep learning curve on my doodlebug and initially thought it was a TT rear end, only to discover Ford used the worm drive in 28 and early 29.

Here is a link to more information;

http://aafords.com/aa-chassis/aa-4000-rear-axle/

[jhiram]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug1930

Does anyone know about an overdrive unit made by the Tractor Train Co. of Indiana? The unit is located between the transmission and the differential. Any information would be appreciated.

I have a tractor truck and train transmission like you described in a 1915 T dogcatchers waqon that also has rocky mountain brakes. The T was delivered to the city of Los Angeles with a Hercules body similar to a delivery body with wire mesh sides. Until I read this I had been unable to find anyone who know anything about it.

[M2M]

Originally Posted by jhiram

I have a tractor truck and train transmission like you described in a 1915 T dogcatchers waqon that also has rocky mountain brakes. The T was delivered to the city of Los Angeles with a Hercules body similar to a delivery body with wire mesh sides. Until I read this I had been unable to find anyone who know anything about it.

Perhaps take some photos and post them here.

[rotorwrench]

Most doodlebug alterations were an inexpensive way of setting up a light duty tractor. They had plenty of HP from the model A engine but it still helps to have very low gearing for pulling a harrow or a hay rake. It would likely even pull a small lister for planting or a one bottom plow with the right rear tire combo. There would have been plenty of uses on a small farm or large vegetable garden.

[Doodlebug1930]

Thanks to everyone for your info & stories. I am pretty sure the rear axle is TT truck. The rear leaf spring is 3 inches wide and looks quite heavy duty. The rear hubs have the wood spokes cut off and someone has drilled for new studs to mount the 16 inch wire wheels. The wheels are not Ford; not sure what make.

[Doodlebug1930]

Wheel

[J Franklin]

Plowing with a Model T tractor, my favorite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L6MDccvJA8