| 4ford | -- 07-29-2012 @ 6:59 PM |
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How can I really tell what gears are in my 1941 coupe? I think they are 4:11. And what would be a good gear to change to? Thanks mike
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| deluxe40 | -- 07-29-2012 @ 8:30 PM |
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Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear end so that only one wheel is off the ground and put the car in neutral. Then take the fill plug out of the rear end, clean off the edge of the gear tooth you can see and put a small drop of white house paint on it. Wait until the paint dries and then turn the raised wheel moving the ring gear while counting the teeth as they go by. You should get 37 for 4.11:1, 34 for 3.78:1 or 39 for 3.54:1. There are some other possibilities (e.g., 4.44:1, 3.25:1), but the first three are the most common in a '41. Your choice depends a bit on driving conditions where you live. I prefer the 3:54 or the 3.25 for highway driving. My '41 Sedan Delivery has the 3.25 with a bone stock 221 inch flathead and it goes along just fine.
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| supereal | -- 07-29-2012 @ 9:27 PM |
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Look carefully on the bottom web on the rear end "banjo" for a set of numbers separated by a space or a hyphen. Divide one into the other to get the ratio. The gears could have been changed, but it is more likely they have not.
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| ford38v8 | -- 07-29-2012 @ 9:33 PM |
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Mike, there are many ways to determine your ratio, but the one you got from deluxe40 is simple to do, and will quickly produce a positive answer. A rartio of 3.78 is considered the best compromise between top cruising speed and getting off the line quickly. A lower ratio may also have you downshifting while going up mountain roads. Alan
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| 4ford | -- 07-31-2012 @ 5:03 PM |
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Supereal, Are the numbers top or bottom. Can't seem to see anything
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| supereal | -- 07-31-2012 @ 6:15 PM |
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If they are present, they will be on the bottom, stamped on the web, usually close to the pinion end. They can be difficult to see because of age, rust, and grime. I use a Scotchbrite pad to clean up the area and not damage the numbers. Not all axles have them, but most do. My 47 has a 3-78, which is a good compromise between power and engine speed. In those days, 50-55 mph was usual. I have a three to one overdrive so I can run a hiway speeds.
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| 4ford | -- 08-02-2012 @ 5:54 AM |
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Ok I will look. So what is the easiest way to change the gears ? Do you need to remove the whole rear end? Any tips before I began Thanks.
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| supereal | -- 08-02-2012 @ 7:10 AM |
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Changing the rear end gears is an extensive process involving the complete disassembly of the unit. Both ring gear and pinion must by changed, of course, the pinion being considerably more involved, requiring heat and a press. Then, the gear lash is set by varying the thickness of the axle housing gaskets. It is a time consuming and often frustrating exercise, particularly if it is your first effort.
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| 4ford | -- 08-02-2012 @ 4:34 PM |
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Ok well I assume the unit will come out. Take it away from the spring and pull the whole thing out . What a good time to clean everything up How will the drive shaft come away from the trans Thanks again
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| 4ford | -- 08-08-2012 @ 8:37 AM |
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Anyone in my area that I can take the whole assmy to and get the work done. Iam in Minnesota St Paul mpls. I will take the rearend out and bring it to them any good shops?? Thanks.
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| 4ford | -- 08-08-2012 @ 8:37 AM |
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Anyone in my area that I can take the whole assmy to and get the work done. Iam in Minnesota St Paul mpls. I will take the rearend out and bring it to them any good shops?? Thanks.
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| supereal | -- 08-08-2012 @ 10:10 AM |
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If you are a Club member, look In your roster to contact members to answer that question
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| 4ford | -- 08-08-2012 @ 10:46 AM |
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i am and i will look and see thanks
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| ford38v8 | -- 08-08-2012 @ 12:42 PM |
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Mike, Determine the ratio you have now before tearing it apart. If you do indeed have a 4.11, you'll want a higher ratio to keep up with traffic. A good all around ratio is 3.78, and for your neck of the woods an excellent choice would also be a 3.54, but they are hard to come by and expensive. I'd go for the 3.78, and a complete rear end rather than to change out the gears alone. With a complete banjo, or banjo + housings, it's a much easier job that doesn't require special tools, and you can do the whole job yourself. In your area, the best place to go is Little Dearborn. They will likely have the complete differential you need, or can put you in touch with someone that has one for sale. Little Dearborn Parts, Inc. 2424 University Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55414 They do have a website, but parts like you want won't be listed on the web, and it's always best to go face to face anyway. Alan This message was edited by ford38v8 on 8-8-12 @ 12:43 PM
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| 4ford | -- 08-09-2012 @ 9:53 AM |
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talked to little dearborn this morning. they do not have anything. they said to go to speedway and get gears 325s and install them myself. i have installed ring and pinion in an 8 inch and 9s but never in an older unit, he says its not that bad i will continue to look arownd whats your thoughts on the 325s???? thanks
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| Model B | -- 08-09-2012 @ 9:57 AM |
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I would go with the 3:54 if you are located in a flat area, but the 3:78 would be better for hilly areas. Speedway has either gear. I just replaced the 4:11 gears in my '40 this past winter with Speedways 3:54 gear. Works great. Good luck, Pat
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| 4ford | -- 08-09-2012 @ 3:41 PM |
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thanks Pat. did you find it hard to get the settings? is there any tips you can share. the guy at little dearborn says that the gears have marks on them already so you can see that they line up??????? dont know what that would be.
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