A 4:11 was also available.
The 60HP cars for the most part got the 4:44.
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
Finding the real McCoy is a bit challenging. Mercury's often had them but to install in your ZFord requires a bit of modification.
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
Changing to a 3:54 would gain some top-end speed, but sacrifice some low-speed acceleration. And do you really need to drive your car faster?
I remember reading a post from Kube in response to someone wanting an overdrive to keep up with modern highway traffic. Went something like this:
"I can see driving our cars at 70-75 MPH, but I can't see being able to stop or steer safely at that speed."
After reading that, I decided to just be happy driving the Interstate in the right lane at 50-55 MPH. I'm not in a hurry to get where I'm going; I'm doing what I love doing, driving my old car. As the traffic flies past, I wave back at people ogling the car and flashing thumbs up. No hurry to end the fun.
This message was edited by JayChicago on 12-21-20 @ 9:47 AM
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
I installed a 354-1 in my 37, and LOVE IT,
no problems driving it anywhere, even on hills
bought it from the EARLY FORD PARTS, they advertise in the V8 TIMES,
hope this helps, 37Ragtoman
Where did you gather this information from?
Quote: ("I believe the rear end ratios depended were the car was sold")
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
if you lived in the hills like VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, etc
I would think you would have a 411 rear end ratio, to climb hills,
or if you lived in TEXAS, or flat lands, you would most likely have a 354 ratio,
if not,,, why did FORD and others have several ratios ?
as FORD EXAMPLE, had 354,378 411, why I ask my self that they supply these ?
it is a head scratcher for sure
my 2 cents 37Ragtopman
The Dec. 29, 1939 Ford Service Bulletin subject No. S-4000 p 1 indicates the Standard ratio of 3.78 and optional ratios of 3.54 and 4.11 for the 85HP vehicles of 1937-1940. The 60HP ratio of 4.44 except for commercial vehicles.
Thanks for the references. What you had substantiated re 1940 is what I had found in other places. Your bulletin was one I had never come upon.
Thanks again.
Mike "Kube" Kubarth