I have a 1960 F250 with a 4-speed - engine is 292 if that matters. Never use 1st, start in 2nd, and am in 4th in no time. Seems like 40mph is pushing to the limits of this beast.

So I did some research on rear axle ratios, and I believe I understand that concept. What I don't understand is if I change the rear end, and drop it down to a 3.73 or something similar, what effect, or limitation, will the current transmission have? (don't know the details of the current tranny).

Is there some info/sites on the relationship between the two. I seem to have found the rear end info easily enough, just not both together. Thanks!

additional info:

1. currently having new front end put on, will change from 8 lug to 5. I say this because I'd like to have them all 5 lug now anyway, so rear end change is on the "to-do" list.
2. Have been told Ford 8.8 5x4.5 bolt pattern is the way to go, will add disc brakes as well.

 

do you have a tach to see what RPM's you are turning at that speed?

 

no, I'm guessing on speed even. Fuel gauge works, that's about it

 

haha, right on man! Have you tried to see what gear ratio you have now? you tube has videos...

 

Current ratio is 4:11. Thanks much...

 

Get a tach and see what you're spinning. I'm guessing the tranny is manual. The only issue I ever had with swapping gears to higher ones (I went from 3.89 to 2.90) was that I had to slip the clutch more to get the car moving. Maybe that was just too high for the weight of the car. Not sure. Play around with the gearing calculators online. Richmond gears has a good one, 4.11 to 3.73 may not be a big enough difference for you.

 

1960 F250. You might have the 4.56 gears. What is your axle code on the rating plate? No matter whar rear gears, and F100 or F250, the 4 speed transmission was the same (Warner T98A). Changing axle ratio will have no effect on transmission. What ratio to use depends on how you will use the truck. You have a low enough first gear to get an empty truck rolling with any sane axle ratio.

 

Which front end are you using? That will make a difference as to bolt pattern. Standard Ford F 100 is a 5X5.5 until, IIRC, '96. Cars of the same period were 5X4.5. I think it changed to metric in '96 for both cars and trucks.