UPDATE: I got the new ring gear and pinion installed. No problems at all - got everything from Early Ford V8 Sales including a seal and bearing kit.

The pickup drives GREAT. No doubt, the acceleration is NOT what is used to be with the 4.27 gears in it, but the truck can get to 70 mph without any effort or stress on the old flathead. I think the drive-ability around town is fine. I don't carry or tow anything with this truck, so I was not worried about dropping this rear end ratio in the truck.

For anyone with a Dana 41 rear end, this kit is a viable alternative to swapping out the 41 for a 44 or a 9".

Count me as "satisfied".

 

That is excellent news!! I'm glad it worked out so well.

 

Are you considering a gear swap?

 

Not on my 49 F-1, but if the stars align, the rivers run backwards, and donkeys fly, I will most likely go that route with my 50 F-1 restomod when i work on it again one of these years. 9 inch rears are a very rare thing in this part of the country nowadays.

 

After making this swap and driving for a few days, here are my observations on changing from 4.27 to 3.54 rear end ratio:

1. The driveability is great - moving from a standing start in 1st gear is not really noticeably different.
2. The main difference is 2nd gear - the shift from 1st to 2nd does not come as quickly and you definitely stay in 2nd gear longer before you get the rpm's up to shift into 3rd.
3. It really cruises effortlessly at 70 mph with no problems. I think 75 may be a little much, but it is even doable in my opinion.

All in all, this was an easy swap as compared to swapping in a Dana 44 or a 9" rear end and I really don't have any regrets at all. With the new ring gear and pinion, all new bearings and seals, I spent about $500 in parts.

 

Thanks for the update. Sounds like all good news.

I've already made the switch from 4.27 to 3.92, but would like to go more.

 

Yes, thanks for the update. This sounds like a great way to retain the look and feel of stock while increasing drivability and comfort. Right up there with 12 volts and disc brakes.

 

Hey Miller lite man, how was setting the pinion depth? I am on the fence between the 3.73 and 3.54. Was the 3.54 marked any way similar to how the stock 3.73 pinion is, aiding in shim depth determination?

Jonathan

 

I put a nine inch ford 1971 f100 @3.25 ratio in my f1 but I'm thinking I will keep my original 49 pumpkin and axles after reading your good information.

 

mmmm.....thanks for the info millerlite. is the swap out hard to do? do you need any special tools? how about instructions from the supplier? I would really like to try this.

 

Louis from Early Ford V8 Sales just verified the Dana 44 is in production and they hope to have them available in the Fall.

 

this is my tag. I am damn near 100% sure that this is the original tag. So this makes it a 3.72?? I am looking for an around town cruiser and maybe some freeway driving. No hauling. Any thoughts

 

That is the tag for a 3.73 axle. I find the 3.73 are comfortable up to about 55 or 60 depending on how well balanced your engine and drive line is. Other folks feel comfortable faster or slower with the same ratio.