1955 Shop Manual error (or lack of clarity) on Overdrive transmissions
Figure 17 on page 247 of the 1955 Ford Car Shop Manual shows the low and reverse gear installed with the shift fork groove to the rear of the transmission. This is the correct position for the overdrive transmission used in the Thunderbird and the F-100 truck. However, in the overdrive transmission used in 6 and 8 cylinder passenger cars the low and reverse gear is installed with the fork groove toward the front of the transmission.