This is a brief history of the FOM (designed by Borg-Warner) and its design progression. Also lubricant call-out and useage is covered. The GM HYRA-MATIC (four speed direct) was used by LINCOLN from 49/54 at which time they used a MERC-O-MATIC (second gear start 3/S) until LINC received it's own dedicated transmission (LX) in mid 1958 production.
FORD used TYPE A trans fluid from 1949 until JAN 59.
FORD went to TYPE A SUFFIX A at that time (JAN 59-called out in TSB).
FORD redesigned the FOM in 1958 to be a dual range transmission. This was the CRUISE-O-MATIC. It retained the FOM for economy/standard useage (other than LINC).
FORD introduced the F/M/2 in 1959 which was a true two-speed trans. It was in an aluminum case with integral bell. This was designed (I assume) for the upcoming economy cars in the 1960 FORD/MERC model run. It was also a running replacement in some economy applications that were using the old FOM. The EDSEL MILE-O-MATIC was a true two speed.
1961 is the pivotal year as this is where FORD dropped the FOM entirely and everything went COM (Dual Range). It went from throttle valve shift control to a vacuum modulator valve shift control.
It seems the 1961 model year is going to be the first to call out ATF Spec M2C33.
The F/M/2 was replaced by the C4 in 1964.
Introduction of the C6 in 1966 and the first place it shows up is LINC. The TWIN-TURBO COM is deleted. The FX and MX were retained for some FORD-MERC applications alongside the C6.
The COM was redesigned again (made lighter and stronger) in 1967 and was dubbed the FMX, coinciding with the introduction of ATF Spec M2C33-F (F being FORD M being MERC [combination] X being dual range).
FORD made a running change starting in the mid-seventies to DEXRON (GM Trade Name) as they changed their friction materials due mainly to enviromental concerns (refer to TSB 98-8-8)
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