Seriously! 50 is about it. I don't have a tach, but the RPMs sound like they are WAY up there, like the motor wants to blow. I have a 292 with the Ford standard duty three speed (not a toploader) on the tree and 9" rear end with a tag that says it's a 3.70. Any ideas on the gear ratio's for the transmission? Would I be able to change the gearing in the transmission? What would be a good ring and pinion set-up to get my truck to at least go faster than these John Deere and Case tractors going up and down my road? I really do think that I would be who the tractors would be waiting on.

 

KC I think all the three speeds have a final drive that is 1 to 1. You could jack up the rear wheel and rotate it one revaluation and count the turns on the drive shaft to get a close count on the gears. A 3.70 should get you down the road well over 55. unless you are running tiny tires.LOL

 

Depending on what you are used to driving, that kinda RPM might seem quite high and by todays standards they are. These older trucks were not built to run at higher speeds but if you 'adjust' some things they will do pretty well. I would change that ring & pinion to something closer to 3:00 for some better top end - knowing you're going to lose a little low end pulling power. But finding an older trans with the overdrive in it would be the ideal setup.

 

KC a couple of things will effect cruising speed vs RPM. Transmission final drive, differential gearing and tire size. Attached is a calculator to help!
Gear Ratio Calculator
Good luck in your quest

 

Years back I had a 1960 F100 4x4, 223 six, 3 speed on column, stock axles (about 3.9 : 1). I could drive for hours at 55 with no problems. I could also cruise at 60, but it got loud. (had 7.00 x 15 tires)

If you have not spent much time driving these old trucks, it takes a while to get used to the noise. Spinning an engine at 3000 rpm does get noisy.

 

I have to drive 60 mph to get to 55. I felt like a farmer out on the country roads. When I go on the freeway I stay in the right lane and go 60. It's all she's got Captain.

Trying to amass parts for a 5 speed myself here. Thinking T5. Then I can go 70 but then there is that whole no power steering and 4 leaf suspension to mess with.