1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Axle Change out on my 54

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  #1  
Old 05-22-2003 | 12:20 AM
55FordLover's Avatar
55FordLover
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From: Deridder, LA
Axle Change out on my 54

Okay,


I have the stock rearend on my 54 with the 302/AOD combo and i was wondering how can i get better gas mileage??? do i really have to switch that rearend out with an 9 or 8.8 to acheive the gas consumption of a mustang or normal vehicle...


James
 
  #2  
Old 05-22-2003 | 06:34 AM
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ranger pat
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From: Elk River, MN
Axle Change out on my 54

The easiest and cheapest switch would be to an F-100 rear out of a 57 or newer. If you get the right year axle, it would be a direct bolt up. Also changing ratio's on a 9" is real easy. An 8.8" would also work real good with a 302, but would require some modification to mounting even if you found one in the right width. Keep in mind the bolt pattern you want. Stock would be 5 on 5 1/2" circle. Most 8.8's from a car would be 5 on 4.5". You want the front and rear to match bolt patterns ideally. Link to axle info:
http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/F...imensions.html

http://hiqties.hypermart.net/9inch.html
 
  #3  
Old 05-22-2003 | 06:48 AM
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GreatNorthWoods
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Axle Change out on my 54

James,

Are you sure you want a taller rear end WITH an AOD? I don't know what ratio you are running, but unless you are running something in the high 4s or 5s or there is something wrong with it, I would keep the old rear. What I am seeing in rods with OD transmissions is gearing in the high 3s or low 4s for all around good performance AND gas mileage. There is such a thing as getting gears too tall. Perhaps you can improve gas mileage in other ways like better tuning, less carb, or better driving habits...
 
  #4  
Old 05-22-2003 | 07:26 AM
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55FordLover
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From: Deridder, LA
Axle Change out on my 54

okay....thanks guys....now i need to hit the junkyards or on the net to find that rear end....hopefully they have some in el paso, tx...if not..going to buy one...need to smoke the rear and i can't do it right now...no posi at all and it sucks.....


James


54 Ford F100 302/AOD (ours)
01 Ford Supercrew XLT Triton (his)
01 Ford Explorer XLT V6 (hers)
 
  #5  
Old 05-23-2003 | 11:01 AM
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ranger pat
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From: Elk River, MN
Axle Change out on my 54

Found another good link for axle codes and applications:
http://www.drivetrain.com/Fordtrkratio_posidata.html
 




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