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I would like to get, preferably a Pickup, or possibly a cargo van version to use as a daily driver, mostly short distances since I'm semi-retired, I'm wondering, disregarding the drum vs. disc brake argument, if these were geared for freeway speeds? If not, how much trouble is it to change the rear end gears to be able to not be a SMV on a freeway? I'd like to stay with the original powertrain combo since I understand the old tech.
That's what I was thinking, I know the 51 and 54 Chevy trucks I had were built for about 45 mph since that was the speed limit then. The early 60's and 70's I had I never got much over 55 since that was the speed limit and I don't remember much freeway driving then. Thanks
my 64 falcon with 170 six cylinder, auto trans, and 3.0 gears was fine out on the highway at 65. but as i said, the engine was screaming.
i never really pushed it though because at the time, it was still a 50 year old car even if it did purr like a kitten.
I would like to get, preferably a Pickup, or possibly a cargo van version to use as a daily driver, mostly short distances since I'm semi-retired, I'm wondering, disregarding the drum vs. disc brake argument, if these were geared for freeway speeds? If not, how much trouble is it to change the rear end gears to be able to not be a SMV on a freeway? I'd like to stay with the original powertrain combo since I understand the old tech.
Thanks, John
I cannot…remember where, when or why I was driving it, but I do remember it being surprisingly quick. Flex pipe bendy straw exhaust out the sides with glass packs, and it would about pull a wheelie in the first two gears of 3. 289? 302? 300 I6? Something. I’m guessing that was all in the gearing. Sitting over the front axle and having a flat no hood view and doing the 3 pedal shuffle with the steering column in the middle of that was a handful, real spooky experience IIRC.
Id say low gears it would be great around town, but for “modern, more efficient!” Highway driving, I’d look at a 4 speed overdrive automatic “swaps!” Keep the lower gear set and upgrade the trans so that you aren’t losing anything down low if you head out loaded.
Many of the 1961-1967 Econolines were designed to haul heavy loads around town, but some had decent rear gears for highway driving.
The 7-1/4" Integral Carrier rear axle is good for up to about 90 HP. The axle has to be disassembled to change the gears.
The optional 9" rear axle has the removable carrier, so changing and setting up different gears is much easier than the 7-1/4" axle.
The 3.00:1 ratio was an original option for highway driving. Anything in the low 3's would be best for highway driving.
This also depends on the engine size. The 144 did not have much power. The 170 was better. Either the 144 or 170 can be easily swapped out for a more modern 200.
If you happen to have the 240 engine, that is a great engine by itself, but can be easily upgraded to a more modern 300.
Here is a link to a page that shows all the stock rear axles for the first-generation Econolines. https://econoline.org/axle.php
I have a 63 with a transplanted 66 200. 3.55 gears it will do 65 no problem. Tinks to do to help are taller rear tires . I am running 235/60/15 . I have converted mine to power disc set up and a rebuild gear box. Drives great.
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