52 Ford rear end help
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52 Ford rear end help
Hey all. I'm just learning about all this, so any help here is appreciated. My '52 Ford Courier Sedan Delivery with the 239 Flathead runs good, but the stock three-speed is geared extremely low. I don't want to drive it over 50 mph because RPMs start getting up there. My question is, I would like to be able to make this a more travel-friendly vehicle. What options would I have? I know nothing about this, so I'm soaking up all the knowledge I can. I found on the internet (so you know it's true! lol) the Sedan Delivery and the Wagons, the available ratios were 3.54, 4.09 and 4.27. I don't know what I have, but I'd like to be able to cruise at 50-55 with less strain (RPMs on it). I hope this makes sense. And I don't know how many RPMs it's running. No tach. But I know high when I hear it (all I've ever driven is standard transmission.) Thank you guys! ***EDIT - I also live on a mountain where the bottom 1/4 of it is steep and the Flathead with its current gearing slows to about 15 mph in second until I crest the toughest part, then I can shift to third. Will changing to a lower ratio kill my pulling power up the mountain?
Last edited by Outdoorboy26; Aug 14, 2023 at 03:50 PM.
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From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
Some will come along to advise you of what differential you have and where to look for gear ratios but this should be the first thing you do . If you happen to have the 4.27 or 4.09 a switch to 3.54 would be noticeable . Once you know your ratio , trans ratio ( 3 sp should be 1-1 ) and tire size you can go to an online calculator to find engine rpm .
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Cross-Country
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Some will come along to advise you of what differential you have and where to look for gear ratios but this should be the first thing you do . If you happen to have the 4.27 or 4.09 a switch to 3.54 would be noticeable . Once you know your ratio , trans ratio ( 3 sp should be 1-1 ) and tire size you can go to an online calculator to find engine rpm .
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Flathead 239 engines were factory up through the 16,000 lb GVWR F-6 trucks.
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50 mph in a F-6 is really cranking the rpm, and yes have done it 60 mile round trip in a M-H F-6 along with many short runs. OP was wanting lower rpm though was my thought. OD has that great kick down when needed. Just an option.
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From: Burbank, WA
The Borg Warner OD trans was an option for that vehicle, so if you can locate one, and it shouldn't be too tough, with the right parts would be a bolt in, plug and play operation. Probably no more work or money than swapping the rear. The bonus is you keep the current low speed, in town drivability while adding a more comfortable highway top end.
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
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The Borg Warner OD trans was an option for that vehicle, so if you can locate one, and it shouldn't be too tough, with the right parts would be a bolt in, plug and play operation. Probably no more work or money than swapping the rear. The bonus is you keep the current low speed, in town drivability while adding a more comfortable highway top end.
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Sure. Most were after 1940 in cars and 1950 in trucks when the shifter moved from floor to column. The OD is electrically operated and the link above has a great story on how it works, and how to work it.
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Cross-Country
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The Borg Warner OD trans was an option for that vehicle, so if you can locate one, and it shouldn't be too tough, with the right parts would be a bolt in, plug and play operation. Probably no more work or money than swapping the rear. The bonus is you keep the current low speed, in town drivability while adding a more comfortable highway top end.
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
https://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
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VANPELT SALES LLC - your ford flathead source since 2006 This place should have all your answers.
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VANPELT SALES LLC - your ford flathead source since 2006 This place should have all your answers.