Three on the Tree with Overdrive vs. Automatic

[AbileneThomas]

I am looking at a couple of 390 bumps one with three on the tree and factory overdrive vs. one with an automatic setup. I have never owned a column shifter vehicle before so I am looking to you guys for feedback. What are the pros and cons of a 390 with three on the tree with an overdrive in the mix? Recommendations?

[Joe_68_F100]

Have you seen the article on the 3-speed overdrive? http://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm

I've never owned one, but I think it would be really cool to have. It's something different that you rarely hear about in newer trucks. I have the 3-speed top loader, and am happy with it. The previous owner had moved to a floor shifter though. I installed a higher-end shifter but didn't go back to the column. I would have had to find a bunch of additional parts, and I've noticed that the column shifters seem to break down faster than other parts. Floor shifters can be a pain too though.

I've never regularly driven a column shifting manual either. My Dad is full of stories of how terrible they were - but most of his examples are from high mileage cars that were worn out at the time. I think it would be fun to have a column shifter in a fully restored condition. If I were to build another of these trucks, I would go for the column shifter / over drive combo. Automatics don't do much for me in a project car or truck. What fun is an old truck that is bland to drive? I don't want my truck to drive like a golf cart - just push and go. That's boring. Just my 2 cents.

[sargentrs]

Don't know anything about the overdrive but my original column shift was, as your Dad said, a horror story. Rebuilt with all new shims, spacers and springs and shifted like a dream.