Nevermind figured it out looks like the only way to get HWY speeds is to go with a 9" rear end. So I guess in the sprit of keeping it stock 45 MPH it is

 

I am glad we could help you figure that out!!!

 

Go with a Dana 60, you'll still have the full floating rear end and it will still look like a real truck with eight lug wheels.

 

Whose lowest great ratio I've been able to find is 3.54.. 55-60 is doable, but I wouldn't go much higher.. That was just quick calculations I did on the rpms anyways.

 

I can get about 50 mph on my F2.

Downhill.


On a serious note, since I still have stock steering and drum brakes it isn't advisable to go much faster.


Tom


.

 

I can run my 1950 F2 (fresh rebuild on a 239) real close to 55 mph. I have PUSHED it to 60 but it really lets you know that is a little too fast.
I found a 6 volt tach to watch the rpms. It seam to run be around 2550-2700. Tach bounces around some.
2 lane roads, 55 is fast enough.

 

Depends on your tires, of course, but with a 3.50-ish ratio even 65 is OK (maybe not for all-day cruising). We're all thinking of these as tender little engines, they aren't. Think how much less reciprocating mass there is with a flathead, it's comparable to a modern OHC engine. No pushrods, etc. We have the benefit of modern oils that are head-and-shoulders better than any oil available in the 50's, and better gas than they had too.

 

Does Chuck's Trucks still sell that gear ratio change kit for our differentials? Just a thought.

 

Chuck sent me a mesasge suggesting 4.11 ring and pinon set... any thoughts?

 

I'm considering it for my F3. About $750.00, right?

 

Yup thats close to the price about 800 with shipping. I understand I would need a new yolk and seal plate which I am assuming will mean I need a shorter shaft. I'm not die hard set on getting highway speeds I just need to be able to get to work which will require at least 55 mph. Its not a show stopper though and I'm good with just a get around town truck

 

I know what you mean. Not a priority for me right now either. The price is not unreasonable, but 800 bucks is 800 bucks!

 

Yea I thought price is very resonable but yea I think I have other things that are more of a priority right now.

 

I have Chuck's 4.11/1s in both my front and rear axles. They didn't require new shafts. Mine is still a bare chassis as I hammer, weld, and grind on a cab so I can't give input on road speed, beyond what the calculators show. Stu

 

Sounds like the later rear end swap is easier and more feasible, especially if you're not building a show truck.

I can cruise in my '49 F-2, stock with flat six at around 50 mph, over that it starts to complain. Funny thing was in 2012 when we took it down to Truckfest in Illinois I was keeping up with the other FTErs cruising Route 66 and looked down at my GPS and I was doing 65 mph without a sweat, only on that road for some reason.