T96 w/ OD

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   I have a 1961 Rambler Classic with a T96 3 spd manual transmission which needs to be rebuilt. I found a rebuilt T96 transmission with over drive from an American (model T96-1A, WG DIV N3) would this transmission work in my Classic? My Classic has torque tube driveline, not sure about the American. Thanks!

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crummler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: May/20/2021 Location: Philadelphia, P Status: Offline Points: 12	Post Options Post Reply Quote crummler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: T96 w/ OD Posted: Jan/14/2022 at 6:06am
	I have a 1961 Rambler Classic with a T96 3 spd manual transmission which needs to be rebuilt. I found a rebuilt T96 transmission with over drive from an American (model T96-1A, WG DIV N3) would this transmission work in my Classic? My Classic has torque tube driveline, not sure about the American. Thanks!

Trader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/15/2018 Location: Ontario Status: Offline Points: 6881	Post Options Post Reply Quote Trader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/15/2022 at 6:18am
	Don't believe any American's had a torque tube. That stated, there was a torque tube version of the T96. lots of discussion in this post and maybe one of these gentlemen will chime in with your best options: https://theamcforum.com/forum/t96j-with-torque-tube-what-are-my-options_topic90368.html Or just PM a couple of them directly.

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/15/2022 at 8:56pm
	A couple things... There are a few minor variations of the T96 transmission, a suffix letter, C, J, H, F, ... I think C is the common, American, weakest one. Some have bigger input shaft bearings and other features. I know little of the variations having only the smaller C's in Americans. If it indeed was competently rebuilt, and the price is reasonable, that's a scarce commodity, I'd buy it, pending.... ... Allegedly the only difference between the open (American) and closed (Classic) T96 back ends is the tail housing. There could be four possible differences (I suppose more, but these are four I know of): SPeedo cable exit location (above, below) Output spline count and size Output shaft length Tail housing casting The tail housing castings are interchangable. But if the output shaft ("transmission shaft") length isn't the same, it won't work. In this case, you could disassemble both transmissions and swap that output shaft. Can you spell PITA. But it may be the same already. These transmissions are now scarce even thoguh they were common, because they are the weak link in the cars that came with them and parts are all used up.
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/15/2022 at 8:59pm
	Also OD transmissions are longer than non- and so you'll need another driveshaft. And your gearing will be far too steep to use OD much unless you change the rear axle (gears).
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19676	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/20/2022 at 8:46pm
	Nope -- OD and standard trans are the same length, at least in the torque tube cars. The non-OD model has a long output shaft and housing, a bit longer than the main trans case. The OD models have a very short torque tube adapter on the rear, just enough to bolt the torque tube to. So all you need to put an American OD trans in a Classic (both with 195.6 engine) is the torque tube adapter for a 56-61 big Rambler (just Rambler Six 56-60. Classic name added in 61 due to some confusion with the "new" Rambler American and Ambassador starting in 1958).
	Frank Swygert

crummler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: May/20/2021 Location: Philadelphia, P Status: Offline Points: 12	Post Options Post Reply Quote crummler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb/02/2022 at 10:28am
	Thank you all for your time in responding. So what I can share with you is the following; the length of the transmissions are indeed the same length as farna mentioned, but as tomj mentioned the issue is the tail housing casting and transmission mounts. Too bad it was a good price, but I have been down that customization path and it gets expensive. If anyone knows of a T96 transmission w/overdrive for a 1961 Rambler Classic 6 please let me know! Thanks again!

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19676	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb/06/2022 at 11:50am
	If you have a Classic with T96/OD that torque tube adapter will bolt to the OD unif from an American.
	Frank Swygert

First_Gear Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/18/2010 Location: Mukilteo WA Status: Offline Points: 644	Post Options Post Reply Quote First_Gear Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb/07/2022 at 12:02pm
	You could try calling the vendors you might get lucky. It's a cast aluminum part. It would not be difficult to swap.