Prep

Thanks, I am afraid I've only had it for 3 months, so it is very much a work in progress, including, rust, suspension, paint, interior, etc...Here are a few shots

 

Very cool so far, thanks for the pics.

 

Looking for advice on rear end gear ratios for the 9" rear axel swap. The ford f100's are a direct bolt in, so I was wondering about gear ratios. With the 429/460 and c-6 I want something comfortable on the highway and as a daily driver. What do you all suggest? A local auto wrecker will build what ever ratio I want, He thinks 3.0 - 3.2, I was thinking a little higher. Problem is I'm new to this, so suggestions please! Also he said 400.00 for the complete axel and brake assembly. Is this reasonable?

 

3.25:1 can already be found in the desired 9" rears.

 

How is 3.25 with my setup and performance?

 

with a 235 75 R15 tire, 3.25 gear ratio, your engine will turn 2459 rpm at 65 mph. 2837 rpm at 75 mph

3.08 gear will be 2330 rpm at 65 mph, and 2688 rpm at 75 mph.

I should mention these aren't totally accurate. But I would assume they're close, as my calculator factors in a 302 cid....still a V8

 

That sounds just about right as far as what I'm running. 25 - 2600 rpm at 70 mph.

My B/B has enough torque to pull 3-0s, any lower and it would be really revving on the freeway. I haven't tried to really light em up from a standstill yet. Stop light to stoplight could probably use 3-25s for a better holeshot. It all depends on what you want.

 

Found a posi rear end that I can get for 175. Not sure it will fit, need feed back?

Here is the write up: Drum brake rear axle from Ford Explorer. 3.73 posi, complete flange to flange. Ideal for Jeep Wrangler YJ or TJ upgrade.

 

Anyone ever use an Explorer 8.8 rear end for a 48 f1. I'm wondering about the fit! 3.73 might be high for highway speeds, what do you think?

 

Just ran a compression test on engine. It got the following results 1- 168, 2-170, 3-170,4-165, 5-168, 6-165, 7-165, 8-162

Was a pretty basic guage, so numbers could be off, but compression close on all 8.

 

By those compression numbers, you are good to go. You can expect a 10% variance in almost any stock engine. You are only at 5% variation.

 

Thanks Randy, good to know!

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ial_Swaps.html

2 thirds of the way down talks about the Ford Explorer rear end. It's a fairly simple swap.

 

Since you already have the handsome grille (which we all agree on).... running an obscene amount of power is the correct and proper thing to do.......

 

Thanks, Guys. The Explorer rear end is more trouble than it's worth. Sticking with the F100 direct swap. The guy who sells these will put in whatever gear ratio I want. I'd like to drive this truck fairly normally, so I'm looking for a good all around ratio. If I drive to Reno Hot August nights, I'd like a smooth highway drive!