rear-end help
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rear-end help
Just purchased a 1951 Ford F100 modified with a Chevy 283 engine and Turbo 350 transmission. The rear-end (gears, etc.) is shot and I'm looking for some suggestions on what would be a good replacement, that I might find at a junkyard. I want to make the truck a daily driver, but I also need to be able to tow a two-horse trailer occasionally. Any help with ideas on rear-end and gear ratios much appreciated!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Kalispell, MT
Lots of variables, so here's my rule of thumb..........
Use a 9" axle out of any half ton '57 thru '72. Same width - bolt in application and tons of junk yard pigs as well as aftermarket support.
With automatics keep the gear ratio at 3.0 or lower.
'Course that's with FMC components - don't have a clue how Jimmy stuff works together.
Use a 9" axle out of any half ton '57 thru '72. Same width - bolt in application and tons of junk yard pigs as well as aftermarket support.
With automatics keep the gear ratio at 3.0 or lower.
'Course that's with FMC components - don't have a clue how Jimmy stuff works together.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
The Ford nine inch is always a good choice, but what you use may depend on what bolt pattern you have on the front unless you plan to carry two spares. It sounds like this truck has been pretty well Chevyized, so if you have a Chevy pattern on the front, then you may want to consider a GM rear. If you pull that horse trailer often, you may need a rear gear somewhat shorter than a 3:00 to 1, perhaps something in the area of 3:55 to 1. 
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Oct 9, 2003 at 08:38 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Silverthorne Colorado
Did your truck still have the original '51 Ford F-1 rear end? Did you drive it much with whatever rear end it had, or did you buy it with the rear end shot? If you drove it, and liked the rear end ratio it had (both for towing and regular driving), I'd find out what ratio it was and stick with it because the whole deal depends on 1. that you like it, and 2. what diameter rear tires you're running. Those little 283's don't mind revving a little if need be. The stock '51 F-100 was more than likely a 4.11:1, which with a 283 would'nt be to bad unless you do major high speed cruising, and would tow better than the faster ratios.
If you are going to change to a diferent rear end, the Ford 9-inch is simply the best there is. 9-inch rears can be modified to about any bolt pattern you might have up front, but it might cost a few bucks.
An incredible expert is Currie Enterprises. www.new9inch.com or 714-5289410.
Good luck, and be safe.
BobJonesSpecial
If you are going to change to a diferent rear end, the Ford 9-inch is simply the best there is. 9-inch rears can be modified to about any bolt pattern you might have up front, but it might cost a few bucks.
An incredible expert is Currie Enterprises. www.new9inch.com or 714-5289410.
Good luck, and be safe.
BobJonesSpecial
