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1950 merc gear ratio swap...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by mercjurij, Apr 13, 2012.

  1. mercjurij
    Joined: Apr 21, 2010
    Posts: 86

    mercjurij
    Member

    Hi, as i am little confused from searching all the treads here is my question:

    i want to reduce engine speed on highway at my 1950 merc 3 speed without overdrive and 7.10-15 diagonals.
    is there any chance do get this done with ring and pinion because i want to keep the original rims with the banjo boltpattern if possible.

    what the best ratio and where to find them?

    or are there other axles that fit nice?

    here is a modern mustang v8 axle for sale with 2.67-1... no idea if its to long but i know the driveshaft wont fit...

    thanks from germany...
     
  2. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,273

    19Fordy
    Member

    1949-51 Mercury car rears came with 4:27 and 3:91 ratios. The 1951 Mercury automatic transmission rears came with 3:31 ratio. If you could find a 3:31 rear you would have a nice set up. Adding overdrive would make it even better. Sadly, these rears are hard to find. The 1971-73 Ford Mustang rear is the exact same width as the stock 49-51 Mercury rear, also (61 1/4 inches = 1555.75 mm.).
     
  3. coupe30
    Joined: Oct 20, 2008
    Posts: 46

    coupe30
    Member

    Hi
    I Sergi from Spain, I have send the post.
    My rear end mercury '51 is 3:91 ratio. 47-12.

    Is possible to find a rear gear set ratio 3.50 or other minor down for my rear end.

    sorry for my english,
    thansk for all.
     
  4. mercjurij
    Joined: Apr 21, 2010
    Posts: 86

    mercjurij
    Member

    hi thanks, that helped a lot. i think finding a auto rear in germany is nearly impossible. but the mustang rear is 61 1/4 wide, but is it with its 2,67 to long??? and it has a flange for the driveshaft, not like the merc u joints...
     
  5. snaptwo
    Joined: Apr 25, 2011
    Posts: 696

    snaptwo
    Member

    Many don't know but the rears used in those 'ol mercroids were a Dana 44. Pretty darn tough setup, I ran Olds and Chryslers against those and never had any breakage. The 44 used different carriers for different ratios to get the spacing of ring & pinion correct, so a guy would have to have the proper setup. Do a search on Dana 44 I'll bet you will come up with something that will work.
     
  6. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,273

    19Fordy
    Member

    The 1971-73 Mustang rear is exactly the same measurement from the wheel mounting surface to the other side wheel mounting surface. It is a 9 in. rear and you can buy just about any gear ratio you want to go in it. It has 28 splines. The spring perches have to be moved to fit the Merc. It came with a 3:73 gear ratio, but I had it changed to 3:50 Traction-Loc. Here is a photo of that rear in my Merc. If you do a search of 9 inch rears you will see others that are a different width. Chevy rears are also a good choice but I am not sure of which years are best. Look here:http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html Also go here: http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm And, yes, the drive shaft yoke is a different size than the Merc, but you can buy one that will work. You may have to shorten the driveshaft or get another drive shaft. They can be made also. Keep in mind that the bolt pattern for the Merc is 5 x 5 1/2 while ford and Chevy are different. If you find a Ford pickup rear you could have it narrowed and still retain the 5 x 5 1/2 bolt pattern. Early Bronco rears will also work. Broncos and Ford pick up trucks both use the 5 x 5 1/2 bolt pattern so your Mercury wheel will still fit. Here is a list of common Chevy rears. http://chevellestuff.net/tech/rear_end_widths.htm Also, keep in mind the amount of pinion offset in the rear you select.
     

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    Last edited: Apr 13, 2012
  7. JohnEvans
    Joined: Apr 13, 2008
    Posts: 4,883

    JohnEvans
    Member
    from Phoenix AZ

    A stock flatty and 3 speed won't be happy with anything lower than 3.50 or so ,3.30 area is the max.
     
  8. mercjurij
    Joined: Apr 21, 2010
    Posts: 86

    mercjurij
    Member

    i checked my axle today...

    and its an original dana 44!!!

    Crazy, now you can buy everything for dana axles but do mid 70ties jeep parts fit a 1950 merc???
     

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