I just purchased a 52 ford f2 that has had its engine swapped out with a chevy 283 V8. It has the original trany ( 4 speed) and rear end. RPMs are really up there in 4th gear trying to go down the road at 55 mph. It was suggested to me to swap out the rear end with something geared more compatable with the engine.. Is this the right advice and if so, any suggestions on the right size rear end?

 

57-72 used the same width axle. Any 3/4 ton 8 bolt axle from those years in your choice of gear ratio will bolt in place of the one you have. Your current ratio is either 4.11 or 4.86

You want a lower number.