1976 freeway flyer

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Mar 26, 2009 | 06:28 PM

outsource77

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From: San Diego, CA

1976 freeway flyer

I just got a hold of a 1976 f100 stepside(flareside) 300cid 6cyl 4spd and I love the thing

. Alot of my driving is on the CA freeway and up around the 65-70mph I am really leaning the gas peddel with some pretty high RPM's. I've ask around and the answers I get are varied from get a 5 spd, invest in an overdrive, to regear the rearend. What is the 1st step in the right direction for some easy freeway crusin, any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Mar 26, 2009 | 07:25 PM

93F22A6

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I wouls say get an od unit, or change the rear end. The od unit will prob be exspensive but it would prob be better in my opnion.

Mar 26, 2009 | 07:25 PM

Bullitt390

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Depends on your ability really...

swapping for a 5 speed might be the same physically as re-gearing the diff, cost might be the same as well depending on what your junkyards have and what they charge.

Adding an OD would cost well over a grand to 2 grand for a GearVendor. Would require shortening the driveshaft too.

What RPM are you turning now @ 65 MPH?

Josh

Mar 27, 2009 | 01:27 AM

dakonthemountain

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From: Crestline, California

"What RPM are you turning now @ 65 MPH?"
That would be my first question also. A GV is an expensive option, so I would personally (based on my own experience) opt for a different rear diff. Others with more mechanical experience here can recommend the ratio to you for best performance, etc.
Good luck!
Dak

Mar 27, 2009 | 03:05 PM

outsource77

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From: San Diego, CA

From what I read and the advice on this posting, I think i'm leaning toward re-gearing the diff. I will deffinitely do more reseach on OD unit. Thanks.

Mar 27, 2009 | 03:20 PM

Bullitt390

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You should have a Ford 9 inch rear axle I believe. Getting a dropout from the local yard would run from $50 at a U-Pull-it to maybe $150 at the others.

A few bucks for gear oil and some silicone and you're done. Most common ratio would be the 3.00 rear, but you might be able to score a 2.75 (I have both sitting under the bench) and some others like 3.25 or whatever it is.

Just count axle splines and match what you have.

Josh

Mar 27, 2009 | 04:51 PM

billg302

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From: Colorado

outsource77, I am curious, what RPM are you running at 65 mph? My 77 F250, 460, NP205, NP435 4 speed, 4.10 gears runs about 3000 rpm at 65 mph. I live in Colorado where we have a lot of 75 mph speed limits. I don't run 75 very often but it would be nice to be able to.