Opinios please. Gear ratio change.

[71 LONG BED]

I've only got 3 Rhinelanders left.

Still? I would have already.

[FLATBEDFORD]

I've only got 3 Rhinelanders left.

Still? I would have already.

I'm saving them.

[Ranchero50]

I think that at the end of the day you'd really be better off doing a tranny swap to get an overdrive...

For the mustang I also see about 300rpm differences at cruise. From 3.08's to 3.27's to 3.55's, to 3.73's back to 3.55's now and I'm thinking about putting in a set of 3.31's to drop the cruise RPM a little more 2500 @ 75 mph now.

Jamie

[FLATBEDFORD]

Or one of those overdrives from gear vendors.
http://www.gearvendors.com/

[GreyStep]

Engine is a 390, 4bbl, rated at 280 ft lbs @ 2500RPM/355 ft lbs @ 3500

Option 1 or Option 2.

Option 1...

@ 2500 rpm.....67 mph.....3.54:1 rear end

Option 2...

@ 2500 rpm.....63mph.....3.73:1 rear end

This truck will get used to haul loads up to 6K
and towing up to 8K

I'm leaning towards the 3.73 cause i'm worried about "lugging" my 390 at highway speeds.

Two-bit

I have a similar situation, although I have a 360 w/4-speed, from the way this things screams down the highway I would bet it has 4.5x? rear gears. Since I plan to do some highway driving, (car shows, vacation to shore, joy rides, etc) I think the 3.54 or 3.73 would be up my alley. Now the question is where do I look...Junk yards, Fordification, online, etc.

The other thing is are there any transmission shops that rebuild the N435 with better gearing?

Thanks

JK "GREYSTEP"

[FLATBEDFORD]

I think you leave the transmission as it is and change the rear end gears. As you put taller gears in the rear, the final drive ratios will be further apart which would make the shifts better for your needs. I think that the transmission work would be pretty expensive too, especially compared to the rear end gear change. I've never done either, I'm only guessing. I'm sure somebody here will be able to speak form experience.

[71 LONG BED]

I have a similar situation, although I have a 360 w/4-speed, from the way this things screams down the highway I would bet it has 4.5x? rear gears. Since I plan to do some highway driving, (car shows, vacation to shore, joy rides, etc) I think the 3.54 or 3.73 would be up my alley. Now the question is where do I look...Junk yards, Fordification, online, etc.


JK "GREYSTEP"

Hmmm, maybe a trade is an idea. I could drop the whole rear and bring it out and trade straight up with you. I have 3.25's and want something shorter. I'm looking for quicker starts. You know, something a little more fun.

[MaxKlinger]

I had 3.50's in my '83 F150 and that thing cried for help on the highway. I didn't dare take her over 55mph, kept her in the right lane always. The 300/6 is not a rev motor.

I have no idea what gears are in my 72, but as soon as it gets here I'm mounting a tach on the column. Just out of curiosity, are there any ratios for the 9" that are taller than 3.50? If I've got stupid short gears like 4.56 I'm swapping them out.