Axle code '03' for '59
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
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From: Waynesville, OH
Axle code '03' for '59
Hmmmm, 03 doesn't ring a bell. Usually there's a metal tag attached to the axle by one of the gear housing cover bolts (unless it's been removed). See if you can find the tag. It should have two numbers on it like 49/11 indicating the gear tooth count. You just divide the two numbers to get the gear ratio. Mine is 41/9 = 4.56 on an F-250.
You can also use the direct method someone posted earlier. Block the front wheels and one rear wheel. Put the tranny in neutral and make sure the parking brake is off. Jack up the unblocked rear wheel and count the ratio of drive shaft revolutions to wheel revolutions as you rotate the wheel. Multiply that ratio by 2 to get the axle ratio. On mine, just a little over 6-3/4 revolutions of the drive shaft gives three complete revolution of the wheel. So 6.75 / 3 = 2.25 and multiplying by 2 gives 4.5, pretty close to the actual ratio of 4.56. If I had taken into account the fact that I got a little over 6.75 drive shaft revolutions I might have gotten something like 6.8 / 3 = 2.2667 x 2 = 4.53 which is even closer. The more revolutions you count the more accurate an axle ratio you can calculate.
If the axle is not on a vehicle just keep one wheel or hub from rotating with a clamp or bar and use the same process.
George
You can also use the direct method someone posted earlier. Block the front wheels and one rear wheel. Put the tranny in neutral and make sure the parking brake is off. Jack up the unblocked rear wheel and count the ratio of drive shaft revolutions to wheel revolutions as you rotate the wheel. Multiply that ratio by 2 to get the axle ratio. On mine, just a little over 6-3/4 revolutions of the drive shaft gives three complete revolution of the wheel. So 6.75 / 3 = 2.25 and multiplying by 2 gives 4.5, pretty close to the actual ratio of 4.56. If I had taken into account the fact that I got a little over 6.75 drive shaft revolutions I might have gotten something like 6.8 / 3 = 2.2667 x 2 = 4.53 which is even closer. The more revolutions you count the more accurate an axle ratio you can calculate.
If the axle is not on a vehicle just keep one wheel or hub from rotating with a clamp or bar and use the same process.
George
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Axle code '03' for '59
Hey Barry (and everybody else),
Where is the 03 axle code from??? Is it stamped on the axle somewhere or is it on the rating plate? My rating plate lists the actual ratio (4.56:1), not a code number. Is it applicable to pre-59 vehicles?
Just curious since I haven't run across a two digit code like that to indicate the axle ratio on my '56.
George
Where is the 03 axle code from??? Is it stamped on the axle somewhere or is it on the rating plate? My rating plate lists the actual ratio (4.56:1), not a code number. Is it applicable to pre-59 vehicles?
Just curious since I haven't run across a two digit code like that to indicate the axle ratio on my '56.
George
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Axle code '03' for '59
Folks,
Thanks for the info. The data plates say it came from the factory with a 3 spd OD and I guess a 4.11 rear axle. It currently has a 60's fully syncro 3spd, non-OD. The spin-tire count revolutions method points to around a 3.70 rear end ratio. I'm trying to come up with the optimum trans and rear end ratio for behind a 223. High gear has to be high enough to move with Texas traffic without buzzing the 223 too much. Low has to be low enough to get the truck rolling with a car trailer behind it. I'm tempted look for a 3spd OD. How new a 3spd OD will bolt to this bellhousing? The bolt pattern on the tranny is about 6.5" across on the bottom and about 7.25" from top to bottom.
Any advice? I'm here to learn.
Thanks,
Brett
Thanks for the info. The data plates say it came from the factory with a 3 spd OD and I guess a 4.11 rear axle. It currently has a 60's fully syncro 3spd, non-OD. The spin-tire count revolutions method points to around a 3.70 rear end ratio. I'm trying to come up with the optimum trans and rear end ratio for behind a 223. High gear has to be high enough to move with Texas traffic without buzzing the 223 too much. Low has to be low enough to get the truck rolling with a car trailer behind it. I'm tempted look for a 3spd OD. How new a 3spd OD will bolt to this bellhousing? The bolt pattern on the tranny is about 6.5" across on the bottom and about 7.25" from top to bottom.
Any advice? I'm here to learn.
Thanks,
Brett
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