The RTS also does not add an additional floor shift lever, unlike the popular Mitchell torque tube overdrive. The relative simplicity of conversion is something that cannot be said of the 'competing' five speed Borg Warner/Tremec T5 overdrive transmission conversion. The practical and aesthetic benefit of the RTS 3+1 TOD overdrive transmission in an early Ford conversion is that it places the single shift lever in nearly the stock location on the floor, and also without any frame or brake modifications or complicated open driveline fabrication! With its cover-mounted cane shifter, the T170FT RTS 3+1 TOD transmission has been a popular choice for Model A and early V8 Ford overdrive transmission conversions, and a number of people have made complete kits available to do the transmission swap and conversion. It is a four speed overdrive, and was produced in three different overdrive ratios for use in Ford full-size light-duty 2WD and 4WD F-150 pickup trucks and Broncos. The 1984-87 Ford F-150 RTS top shift overdrive transmission was made for Ford by Tremec, and it is known variously as a T170FT RTS 3+1 TOD. The 1979 Ford Chassis Service Highlights publication covers the 1979-83 aluminum SROD/RUG 3+1 Car (and truck) transmissions. The similar 1977 Ford Chassis Service Highlights publication covers the earlier iron case SMOD/RUG-BP 3+1 Car (and follow-on truck/van) transmissions. This is the most complete technical information published for the RTS transmission. Procure this book! Eighty-two pages of detailed official 1980-87 Ford disassembly and reassembly photos, diagrams, description, and instructions specifically for TOD/RTS and SROD/RUG aluminum 3+1 Truck transmissions.

Ford transmission codes