So I got myself a 55 F100 about a month ago now. It currently has the 272 Y with a 4 speed manual on the floor. The motor runs fine along with the tranny working fine. The motor does leak oil like no other which should be a pretty easy fix. I drove the truck to work on Friday for the first time (30 miles each way) and realized the truck isnt really fast enough to take it on the interstate without getting run over. So this brings me to my question, I have a stock 302 sitting from a 95 Mustang that I can setup with a carb and get another trans (C4 maybe) and put behind it or should I leave the stock Y with the 4 speed in?

 

gear change and go with the KISS method. Sounds like a great truck to leave with the Y block. A later f-150 axle is a bolt in. There is more info on the years of fit on here someplace. Maybe a search will yield the thread, I can't recall it right off.
Jon

 

OK so what is the KISS method?

What gears were standard on these old trucks?

 

Keep It Simple and Smart ( some actually say stupid, but I don't care for that one)

 

OK as long as Gene Simmons wasnt coming into my solution I am good. So a simple rear gear change will better my freeway speeds? I am not sure what gear is in it now but they are pretty low.

 

57 to 72 F100 rear axles are pretty much a direct bolt in and come in a wide range of gear ratios.

 

seems to me a 3.25 or so would be good, but other will have a better idea based on your set up and tires.
Jon

 

I agree, I'd start out by changing out the rearend. The 9" Ford differentials from 1957 through 1972 are a direct bolt in and the correct width. I know on the older 48-52 trucks you have to do some minor fabricating, you have to weld on some shock mounts. I don't know if thats true for the 53-56 trucks but even so, its very minor.

A gear ratio somewhere in the 3:00 to 3:50 range would probably do you wonders.

Good luck
Bobby

 

ok thanks everyone. I am now in search of a 9"

 

T.P. Try a U-pick'em junk yard, we have one here in B'ham Al and any
Rear axle assy is$88.00 plus tax... Bill