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I have a rather bazaar question for all of you out there that like to mis match stuff.
I was listening to someone talking how the old buses with the 460's and 429's had a two speed rear differential at least i think thats what its called. Would it be possible to put a two speed differential with some fabrication and some redneck engineering into my 1977 ranchero with a C6 transmission?
Anything is possible... you'll have to have it narrowed to fit within the wheelwells. And you'll have to move the spring perches in some, But I don't see any real problems with your modification.
I have to ask why are you putting a 5 ton rearend in a 1/4 ton truck.
I think for the amount of hassle and expense, you would do better with an overdrive on the trans. The bus axle is very heavy.
Other than narrowing the housing, shortening, resplining the axles, and relocating spring perches, u-joints could be incompatable, brake lines, E-brake cables, wheel bolt patterns, wheel diameters and how to wire the overdrive feature are things you should work out before you start.
Where would I find an overdrive transmission that fits my truck? currently i have a c6 transmission. are there any other modifications i could make for good milage?
Off the top of my head, check out GearVendors.
http://www.gearvendors.com/f2wd3s.html
Some companies also make adapter plates for the block that allow several factory 4 speed autos, like the Ford Aod to bolt up. You can also get them for GM overdrives.
Get with Art Carr, TCI, Lentech and GER for adapters to mate transmissions like the AOD or GM's TH200 and TH700 overdrive trans to various motors. The AOD will actually bolt directly to the 351C however as it has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 5.0L. The correct 28 oz balance factor flexplate you'd need is available from various trans outlets, plus Jeg's and Summit.
The E4OD is basically a C6 with overdrive but it's a bigger trans. It was only offered in E & F series. I don't know how much a passenger car trans tunnel would need to be modified for one to fit.
I saw a chart a while back and it illustrated the cost savings of more miles per gallon. Basically you'd need to drive tens of thousands of miles to save a nickel on these overdrive conversions. Leave it be. Run it hard! Save your money for the good stuff, like beer.
William in Atlanta
I have to go along with William about the gas mileage issue if that's the only criteria.
From a performance standpoint, the E4OD has a lower 1st gear ratio, (fits a C6 too), and the OD makes a set of low axle gears a lot easier to live with.