Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

What would you do? The Plan?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 10:52 AM
  #46  
GreatNorthWoods's Avatar
GreatNorthWoods
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
You really need to decide on the rear end before you decide on a tranny...because of the ratio. If you keep your original rear end (not a great idea because it's a 5x5.5 pattern and you have 5x4.5 on the front) the AOD would be great. If you replace the original rear with an Explorer or similar rear you want a ratio of about 3:70 or thereabouts. If you go with a rear end with a ratio of around 3:00 to 3:25 then the C4 or C6 would be a good choice.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:04 AM
  #47  
js292's Avatar
js292
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Spring Branch, Texas
What is the first gear ratio in a AOD transmission? Reason I ask is that the rear gearing will affect how useful first gear is gonna be, just something to consider.

On your bed options have you considered the simulated wood deck boards for durability? Seems like they would hold up pretty good. My 50 had a steel bed over wood from the factory, so the correct steel stamped bed may be correct for your truck. Personally I like the look of wood better.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:11 AM
  #48  
GreatNorthWoods's Avatar
GreatNorthWoods
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by js292
What is the first gear ratio in a AOD transmission? Reason I ask is that the rear gearing will affect how useful first gear is gonna be, just something to consider.

On your bed options have you considered the simulated wood deck boards for durability? Seems like they would hold up pretty good. My 50 had a steel bed over wood from the factory, so the correct steel stamped bed may be correct for your truck. Personally I like the look of wood better.
The first gear ratio is 2:40 in an AOD but that is not as important as the final drive gear. First gears are about the same in the C4 (2.46) and AOD. The C6 has a steeper first gear at 2:71.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:20 AM
  #49  
Corrupt Silence's Avatar
Corrupt Silence
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
You really need to decide on the rear end before you decide on a tranny...because of the ratio. If you keep your original rear end (not a great idea because it a 5x5.5 pattern and you have 5x4.5 on the front) the AOD would be great. If you replace the original rear with an Explorer or similar rear you want a ratio of about 3:70 or thereabouts. If you go with a rear end with a ratio of around 3:00 to 3:25 then the C4 or C6 would be a good choice.
Good point, I forgot to mention that. lol Camshaft, transmission, rear differential and tire size are a system. You have to decide how you want the entire system to function together. Assuming you're building a mild engine with a 1500 to 3500 rpm operating range, and have a 3.70 or higher rear gear ratio with close to standard diameter tires then the AOD is your best bet. If you're building a performance high reving engine or have a 3.20 rear gear then go the other route. Your builder should be able to help you walk through all this. When most are displeased with their tranny selection, it is usually because they didn't take the rear diff. into account.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:25 AM
  #50  
js292's Avatar
js292
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Spring Branch, Texas
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
The first gear ratio is 2:40 in an AOD but that is not as important as the final drive gear. First gears are about the same in the C4 (2.46) and AOD. The C6 has a steeper first gear at 2:71.
Thanks, I was just curious as I'm having trouble finding a T5 with a useful 1st gear with my rear gearing.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:31 AM
  #51  
Corrupt Silence's Avatar
Corrupt Silence
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
Originally Posted by js292
Thanks, I was just curious as I'm having trouble finding a T5 with a useful 1st gear with my rear gearing.
If you went with a Tremec TKO (a little pricey) they have a 3.27 and 2.87 first gear option. 5th gear options of 0.68, 0.64 and 0.82.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 03:09 PM
  #52  
ben73058's Avatar
ben73058
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hi Guys,
Just got back from meeting the guys helping me with the truck.
Changing out the rear end with an 8.8 seems to be a good idea as you get the same bolt pattern as the front end with the Mustang II IFS. The engine selection appears to be a 351W with a mild cam top end. We were discussing rebuilding the existing 3 speed C4 & putting it back in behind the 351.

Does anything in that plan bother you? What gearing would you go with in the
Rear to get good 65 mph cruising?

I appreciate everyone's comments & thoughts.

Ben D. Austin TX
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 03:27 PM
  #53  
Corrupt Silence's Avatar
Corrupt Silence
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
I'd try to get a 3.27 rear gear set with a C-4 tranny.

65 mph + 1:1 (C-4 3rd gear ratio) + 28 inch tire diameter = 2551 rpm

(Tire diameter is just a guess. I have no idea what you're going to use. Bigger diameter, lower rpm obviously.)

This is just my opinion, but with a 3 speed I like those #'s.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 03:32 PM
  #54  
ben73058's Avatar
ben73058
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hi Corrupt,
Thanks on the gearing - I notice you are driving a 302 - This is my last shot
on engine selection - Any particular reason you went 302 vs 351?

Ben

(I went through Nevada this summer - it was hot - even coming from Texas -
110 degrees is impressive).
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 03:41 PM
  #55  
Corrupt Silence's Avatar
Corrupt Silence
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
My reasoning for the 302 is about half way down on page 3 of this thread. The main reason for me though, was that my brother is a Fox Body Mustang guy. I can use his knowledge of the 302, tons of parts and I got my running roller 302 for $125 through a guy he knew. (Great starting point for a build.) If costs were all the same, I probably would have gone with a 351 as well but it didn't make sense to me.

Yeah, we get up to 110-115 degrees every summer and down to -10 or so in the winter. Granted those are the high and low end, but we definitely see all 4 seasons here where I'm at. Make's things a little trickier because we have to plan for all scenarios. I wished I could just build a beach cruiser and never have to worry about snow and sub zero temps.

BTW, here is a good calculator for you to play with.
Engine RPM Calculator
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:32 PM
  #56  
GreatNorthWoods's Avatar
GreatNorthWoods
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Corrupt Silence
I'd try to get a 3.27 rear gear set with a C-4 tranny.

65 mph + 1:1 (C-4 3rd gear ratio) + 28 inch tire diameter = 2551 rpm

(Tire diameter is just a guess. I have no idea what you're going to use. Bigger diameter, lower rpm obviously.)

This is just my opinion, but with a 3 speed I like those #'s.
That's a good choice but don't pass up a good 3:00 if you run across one and can't find a 3:25...
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2010 | 11:57 PM
  #57  
Julies Cool F1's Avatar
Julies Cool F1
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
If you are running any direct drive (non overdrive) transmission, and 28" final diameter rear wheel/tire combination, a 3.00 will yield 69.5 MPH at 2500 rpm.

However, using tire diameter adds a lot of error to the calculations because the tires are not round when sitting on the ground. You have to use roll out distance.

I have a 390/C6 with a 2.80 9-3/8 rear. My rear tires are 235/75R15 with an advertised tire diameter of 28.89" and a roll out distance of 88." With this combination I travel 65.8 MPH at 2200 rpm; 71.6 MPH at 2400 rpm; and, 77.4 mph at 2600 rpm.....Yes that .89 inch made 300 rpm difference at the same speed. These are actual dyno speeds/rpm.

Here's an excellent online RPM calculator:

Gear Ratio Calculator

Use 1.0 for third gear and use the 4th gear position for an overdrive gear. And be sure to use roll out distance (tire circumference measured linearly on the ground by rolling the vehicle one tire revolution)
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2010 | 06:09 AM
  #58  
49willard's Avatar
49willard
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Originally Posted by ben73058
Hi Guys,

Changing out the rear end with an 8.8 seems to be a good idea as you get the same bolt pattern as the front end with the Mustang II IFS.
Ben D. Austin TX
I see guys regularly pushing for the same wheel bolts pattern/dimensions. Willard with the Jag IFS (Chxxy pattern) and 9 inch rear will run 2 different bolt pattern/dimensions. It has been a long time since I had to mount a spare. I am not convinced that I will carry a spare. I will decide when I am laying out the exhaust. If I do carry a spare I have a "get me home" adapter that I will carry with it. (I am also running a fatter tire on the rear than the front)
Tires are just a bit more reliable than when our trucks were built.
Just my personal opinion!
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2010 | 07:56 AM
  #59  
thepitshop's Avatar
thepitshop
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
Originally Posted by 49willard
I see guys regularly pushing for the same wheel bolts pattern/dimensions. Willard with the Jag IFS (Chxxy pattern) and 9 inch rear will run 2 different bolt pattern/dimensions. It has been a long time since I had to mount a spare. I am not convinced that I will carry a spare. I will decide when I am laying out the exhaust. If I do carry a spare I have a "get me home" adapter that I will carry with it. (I am also running a fatter tire on the rear than the front)
Tires are just a bit more reliable than when our trucks were built.
Just my personal opinion!
get the axle flanges re-drilled to your desired bolt pattern, I`ve done this in the past on a project, it was a street strip car with 520 hp.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2010 | 08:14 AM
  #60  
49willard's Avatar
49willard
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Originally Posted by thepitshop
get the axle flanges re-drilled to your desired bolt pattern, I`ve done this in the past on a project, it was a street strip car with 520 hp.
Too late, I purchase and mounted a new set of steelies!
I recognize that I could have redrilled my axles. For the reasons I listed above, I did not see enough value in doing it.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nudnik
Texas Chapter
45
Apr 26, 2013 01:48 PM
ben73058
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Dec 1, 2010 10:54 AM
RangerPilot
Texas Chapter
2
Jan 21, 2006 03:58 PM
Rosati
Texas Chapter
41
Aug 3, 2004 09:30 PM
kosmo130
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
1
May 11, 2004 11:39 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:47 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE