Editing Transmission identification (section)
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==Ford-O-Matic== Introduced in 1951, the Ford-O-Matic series of three-speed automatics (which includes the FMX) was apparently financed by Ford while designed by Borg Warner (see Borg Warner Corporate History) Variations of this design were used in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury passenger cars, also in Ford F150 trucks until 1979. They came in three configurations: #The small case (from 1951 to 1966). #The medium case (from 1955 to 1968). #The FMX (from 1967 to 1979). *Early Cruise-O-Matics had a filler tube that attached to the transmission pan. *FMX transmissions filler tube slid into the main case. The Ford-O-Matic/Cruise-O-Matic/Merc-O-Matic and FMX transmissions (and those Borg Warner units that were not made by Ford for 'other make' vehicles) are easily identified by their general design, which incorporates a cast-iron main case (unlike all other Ford three-speed automatic offerings) with separate aluminum bellhousings and extension housings bolted to it. Alto's offers their premium "Red Eagle" friction and "Kolene" steel plates, along with bronze lined friction plates and several different types for shift kits for FMX transmissions. A specialized automatic transmission rebuilding shop can rebuild these torque converters to suit a variety of non-stock applications. Ford-O-Matics were also offered with all three bolt-common V8-pattern bellhousings. Ford developed "Type F" transmission fluid when they took over full production of the unit and named it "FMX". Type F fluid has added friction modifier chemistry to reduce slip & improve durability. It will effect a more firm feeling shift, therefore it is not recommended for those transmissions which specify Dexron only. Cast aluminum FMX transmission pans having fins for increased cooling of the fluid used to be made when these transmissions were more common. Nowadays, one of the best higher performance add-ons for the FMX type transmission is an auxiliary cooler mounted with the radiator, to help prevent the transmission fluid from overheating under hard use.
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