Rear axle
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
Don't go on the freeway, you will get run over. That rear axle ratio is for mud boogers and tractors.
There is a newer rear axle that has better ratios that is almost a bolt in, MAYBE 1958-1964 f100 not sure, ... but google knows or ask ... EBEAR (
There is a newer rear axle that has better ratios that is almost a bolt in, MAYBE 1958-1964 f100 not sure, ... but google knows or ask ... EBEAR (
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 374
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
I don't agree with Old F1 on this one. I have 3.89 rear gears behind my 302 in my '55 and have run them for years. I have had Mustangs for about forty years, most with SBF and have ran anything from 2.79 to 4.56 gears, the later with a toploader, it put a little RPM's on the tach but there where no issues. 3.92 gears will be fine and the diff will hold the power but I would not be doing any hot rod starts which I don't believe you will be doing with that low horsepower 302.
Good luck on your build.
Good luck on your build.
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7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Norway
I don't agree with Old F1 on this one. I have 3.89 rear gears behind my 302 in my '55 and have run them for years. I have had Mustangs for about forty years, most with SBF and have ran anything from 2.79 to 4.56 gears, the later with a toploader, it put a little RPM's on the tach but there where no issues. 3.92 gears will be fine and the diff will hold the power but I would not be doing any hot rod starts which I don't believe you will be doing with that low horsepower 302.
Good luck on your build.
Good luck on your build.
I just want the feel of the V8, and will just be cruising, trying to look and sound awesome 😁
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 501
Likes: 112
From: Allentown, PA
Rear F1
I AGREE with F1 -- Dana 44 with 3
2 gears and a V8 -- SUCK-- ( had to many and scraped them and to expensive to repair ) get a 9 " rear correct ratio -- but do you still have OLD type front suspension-- terrible steering and terrible drum brakes
not my cup of tea--- my BEST combo is Explorer rear---- Leaf spring kit-C-4 or 5 speed OD--- Mustang II--- then I know it is SAFE and can go on HIGHWAY---- Good luck
2 gears and a V8 -- SUCK-- ( had to many and scraped them and to expensive to repair ) get a 9 " rear correct ratio -- but do you still have OLD type front suspension-- terrible steering and terrible drum brakesnot my cup of tea--- my BEST combo is Explorer rear---- Leaf spring kit-C-4 or 5 speed OD--- Mustang II--- then I know it is SAFE and can go on HIGHWAY---- Good luck
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 468
From: Mason City, Iowa
Try to go with something like a 3:54 or numerically lower number ratio. A 3:54 gives you better road gears if you dont have overdrive. Depending on tire height, manual or auto transmission, you will be crusing at about 2500 to 2700 RPMs around 55 MPH. Not great, but better. And you still have some good low end oomph when the light turns green.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,201
Likes: 4,815
From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum, Ron! You being in Norway your driving experience will be different from what we see here in the states, and especially in the west with our open roads, higher speeds and long distances between towns. For what you'll likely be doing with your truck, you'll be fine with the stock rear and the lower gears it will have compared to more modern vehicles. The original Dana rear, as long as it's in good condition, is plenty strong to hold up to a 302. If what we read on this website is true, then you will be able to enjoy your truck just fine.
https://www.norway-adventures.com/driving-in-norway/
https://www.norway-adventures.com/driving-in-norway/
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