Gear ratio question
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Gear ratio question
Currently i built a Rat Rod with a 1955 ford f-500 single speed rearend powered by a big block chevy and connected with a turbo 400 trans. Gear ratio in the rearend is somewhere in the six somthing range and with this set-up it is too low for highway driving. I am wanting to know what range of gears are available for this rearend or if any other third members will inter-change with a two speed set-up. An over-drive transmission is an option but would rather not go that route if i dont have to.
Thanks for any suggestion or solutions.
Max
Thanks for any suggestion or solutions.
Max
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From: Crossville, Tn
A rat rod out of an F500? The best advise I would give you is to replace the rear with one out of an f250-350 in the 70's era. I'm sure there will be others by to tell you what years will fit. This will also help you get rid of the widowmaker rims.
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From: Crossville, Tn
If it's the stock rearend, it should be a Timkin C100. They were available in 3 different ratios, 6.80, 6.20 and 5.29. The R&P number for the 5.29 is TDAA4209C, Green Sales in Cincinnati supposedly has one in stock.
Just a word to the wise, cutting up an old fat fendered Ford for a Rat Rod is not popular here!
Just a word to the wise, cutting up an old fat fendered Ford for a Rat Rod is not popular here!
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
I'm gonna guess that you want to keep a big truck rear axle and bolt pattern to match what's on the front. I'd suggest finding a Dana 70 axle out of a 1970s era Dodge RM400 based motor home. Same 5 x 8" bolt pattern as your F-500, but will have a 4.56/1 drive ratio. AND, the motor home should also donate its 19.5" one piece wheels to replace your current widow maker two piecers. Stu
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From: Rockingham, VA
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Thanks for all the suggestions, curious about the"widow maker" wheels. Are these a bad choice?
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Marmon-Herrington Man
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From: Central Illinois
Do a Google search of that term, and my user name. There's pictures and lots of prior discussion about them. Stu
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Very few things nicknamed "widowmaker" are ever a good thing. Congrats on the 55. Love the F500.
Lead Driver
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From: Rockingham, VA
Yeah, Joe. After I read this I went looking online. Nada... zero... zip.
Oh well, I don't need to get anywhere in a hurry in Betsy anyway.
Oh well, I don't need to get anywhere in a hurry in Betsy anyway.
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
They are under the motor homes that donate their wheels to us. Just a matter of saving them. Problem is they are heavy as sin, and not easily moved, stored, or shipped. I've got one that I rescued for a planned F-4 project mated to my 460/C6 and dressed with my set of Alcoas. Stu
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From: Crossville, Tn
Of course I discussed one of those rear ends as an option with Chuck and he strongly advised against that high a rear with the flatheads.
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
That's interesting. I've got his 4.11/1 sets in my M-H axles. Same basic wheel size and tire outside diameter. Wonder why he thought they would work but advised not to use the D-70 with a 4.56/1? On the F-4 I'm planning there'll be no shortage of available torque. Stu