y block, 3 speed, dana rear in my f-100 ????

i have a'53 ford pick 'em up with a 292 y block, three speed shift'em ****** and the old rear end... i think it's a dana 44... this combination tachs out at 55 or 60 mph, no tachometer but at 60mph it's just tapped out... now,,,, what to change... the rear end? or the ******? go 4 speed? or change all of it and go automatic and 9 inch? thanx,,,,
nic

 

Even if you go with a 4 speed your highest gear ratio will still be 1:1. You will need to get some kind of overdrive or swap out the rear end gears.
Start playing with the gearing calculator on the Richmond gear website, it also takes into account tire diameter.

 

Have the same setup in my '54. Wails at 60 due to the 3.90 something Dana rearend. Start with a 9" with reasonable gear ratio. Bolt in swap.himmelberg

 

deyos right...you boys need overdrive.the t-5 swap is pretty popular with the f1 guys and hotrod guys.ya gould even put a 8.8 in there.cheap posi easy to find.get ya where ya going.if you want to got old school...better kick that ration down.

 

Guess some of you guys are slim on Ford ****** knowledge.

Find a ****** with RUG in the beginning of the tag ID. Most are regular 4 spd but a few are with 4th being OD. These were available in the ~77-85 era especially in light trucks and vans. The ones I have are drilled for dual patterns and bolt right to a Y Block bellhousing. Long tailshaft with a splined output so you will need to cobble up a X member mount as well as find a driveshaft that fits.

If you find one post the tag here, it is the code following the RUG that gives the important stuff.

Another OD that bolts to the Y is the BW T85. These are found on SBF, FE, 6cyl in the mid 60's cars and trucks and the tag starts with HEK. Other Warner tags are straight 4 spd. Also sold to many other manufacturers such as Stude, Packard, Dodge, etc; dont know about input shaft and bolt-up issues.

 

thanks... still thinkin' what to do... i'll keep ya'll posted.nic

 

LOL, I remember the days. Grew up in Petaluma and had a 55 Ford truck with Boss 302/original rear. That thing would rotate the tires forever!

Oh excuse the lingo guys....um it was sick!

I'm still trying to get used to that. LOL Satin

 

Nic,
I know where there is a 3-speed overdrive ****** that will bolt right up. It is also FREE for you! Call me.
David