Gear Ratio
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton, WA
Gear Ratio
I've got a '68 2WD with 360 2V / C6 / 3.54 gears. I do not do any towing (mostly highway driving) and my main goal is better gas mileage. I am looking for any advice on what ratio to change to. I was thinking 3.00 or higher, maybe 2.73/2.88 range (not sure of the specific ratios for a Dana 44). I don't want to get too tall as to cause the engine to lug and lose all power to get up and go. What would be a good happy medium?
Thanks
Martin
Thanks
Martin
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
Gear Ratio
A stock 360 has a pretty good low end torque response. If this is a 1/2 ton, I'd go for the 2.73s. I don't think you will see much improvement with anything else.
You may also consider a taller tire. You don't have to go crazy, 1" will help.
You may also consider a taller tire. You don't have to go crazy, 1" will help.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton, WA
Gear Ratio
Yes it is a 1/2 ton and I've got 30 x 9.50 tires right now. Were the 2.73's fairly common? I was going to try and go yarding to find a rear end to use the gears from.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 22
From: Lacey, WA
Gear Ratio
Gonefishing,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
Gear Ratio
My truck currently has 3.25's in it with a stock 390/ T-18 4spd, and 28 inch tires. 11mpg all day every day, running empty or loaded.
Now that I'm running a 600 Edel carb, I'm sure it's changed, but I havent checked it since I put it on.
Where abouts is this? I live in Seattle (Ballard) but have been having a hard time finding a matching axle for my `69 for a decent price, and have never heard of this `yard.
Sounds like a place I need to scrounge!
Also, any idea what the big yard is out on the way to Forks? Can't remember exactly where it is, but remember seeing a rather large `yard out that way, I think it was after leaving the Kitsap Peninsula, but foggy memory has me grasping for straws!
Now that I'm running a 600 Edel carb, I'm sure it's changed, but I havent checked it since I put it on.
Originally posted by lee
Gonefishing,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Gonefishing,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Sounds like a place I need to scrounge!
Also, any idea what the big yard is out on the way to Forks? Can't remember exactly where it is, but remember seeing a rather large `yard out that way, I think it was after leaving the Kitsap Peninsula, but foggy memory has me grasping for straws!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 22
From: Lacey, WA
Gear Ratio
F.S.
To get to the yard, from Tacoma take Hwy 16 across the Narrows bridge and go all the way to Bremerton. As you get into Bremerton look for signs to Hwy 3. Go a few miles up Hwy 3 and the yard ("Airport Salvage") is on the left at top of long hill.
Found a perfect dash pad there while getting a fender and Rad support. He wanted $25.00 for it. Went back the next week to get it,...... you guessed it, GONE.
Good luck,
To get to the yard, from Tacoma take Hwy 16 across the Narrows bridge and go all the way to Bremerton. As you get into Bremerton look for signs to Hwy 3. Go a few miles up Hwy 3 and the yard ("Airport Salvage") is on the left at top of long hill.
Found a perfect dash pad there while getting a fender and Rad support. He wanted $25.00 for it. Went back the next week to get it,...... you guessed it, GONE.
Good luck,
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton, WA
Gear Ratio
Thanks for the info lee. I was going to call them today actually. Rat Wagon: I realize it is a bit tall, but I don't do any hot rodding, just a lot of fishing which takes me all over. I'm looking to get the most mpg possible (currently averaging 9 ~ 10). I'm still going to keep the 3.54's for later on. I was planning on converting to a 302 when the 360 gives up, but I am also considering a 351w. Both would be in front of an AOD, which would like the 3.54 a lot better than the 2.73. Any suggestions are welcome as it will be a little while until I am able to swap out gears.
Martin
Martin
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Silverdale WA
Gear Ratio
Originally posted by lee
Gonefishing,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Gonefishing,
Try looking out at "Airport salvage" by the airport. They have a good selection of ole Ford trucks. Also half way back on the left is a pile or two of axles already pulled. You might find something there.
Hope this helps,
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Gear Ratio
I've got 2.70 somethings under my Supercab. It's a dog in town. No low end grunt. Terrible mileage in town. Probably five mpg if I'm lucky. The motor has to work way to hard to get the truck moving every few minutes. It does great on the highway, but it spends most of it's time in town. My old '70 has 3.50's and averages 15 mpg...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Silverdale WA
Gear Ratio
Originally posted by gonefishin
Hey Old Blue. That doesn't happen to be the nice truck I see at OC sometimes?
Hey Old Blue. That doesn't happen to be the nice truck I see at OC sometimes?