| voced | -- 01-11-2015 @ 6:25 PM |
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Can anyone tell me what ring and pinion ratio to put in my stock 1935 Pickup. It currently has a 4:11 and 45 MPH seems like a good cruising speed currently, However, I would like to go 55 mph and yet have the engine handle it. I live in mostly flat terrain. Do I use 3:54 or 3:78.
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| len47merc | -- 01-11-2015 @ 7:26 PM |
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Assuming you are not planning on hauling/towing (!), 3.54 for flat terrain and 3.78 for moderate hills and flats. Most mid-westerners seem to prefer the 3.54. Here in central & western NC 3.78 works best and 55 mph is in the optimum rpm range (~2,500) for torque. Personal preference max cruising speed of 60 mph with 710 Firestones equates to 2,650 rpm for my '47 with tolerable engine compartment noise. Works well in the mountains as well. Either way, the 3.78 provides more zip around town good lower end/lower speed torque in 3rd. Optimum personal set-up would be 3.78 for around town with a 30% Columbia OD for 60-65 mph (max). Maybe one day on the OD. Steve This message was edited by len47merc on 1-11-15 @ 7:27 PM
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| ken ct. | -- 01-11-2015 @ 10:49 PM |
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Good answer Len. ken ct.
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| voced | -- 01-12-2015 @ 6:07 AM |
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Thanks Len, I do have a Columbia for it, but no controls, should I spend the money for controls and rebuilding or buy the 3:78 ring and pinion to put back into the original rear end?
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| kubes40 | -- 01-12-2015 @ 6:20 AM |
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I prefer the 3:78. It is in my opinion the best overall choice. Pulls away in first gear nicely and one can still travel at 65MPH if desired without straining the engine. The 3:54 (again, my opinion) is too flat pulling away from a dead stop. Sure, you can go faster than with the 3:78 but realistically, will you? Would you want to? The Columbia is a very nice option. With that installed I would NEVER choose any gearing smaller than the 3:78. Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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| TomO | -- 01-12-2015 @ 8:28 AM |
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Voced, Only you can decide if paying for the rebuild and controls of a Columbia is worthwhile. A vehicle with a working Columbia is usually worth more than one with a stock rear end and it does give you better performance. I elected not to spend the money on a Columbia and am very satisfied with my decision. Tom
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| len47merc | -- 01-12-2015 @ 4:49 PM |
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Voced, were it me I'd put in the 3.78 and call it a day. As noted above I max out (personal preference) at 60 mph (gps) and rarely find the need to go that fast. Most driving is local and trips to the mountains or coast are chosen to be on 2-lanes at 55-60 mph (hate driving on interstates - road debris/sand on original glass, etc.). Yes, OD would drop rpms to ~2,000 @ 60-65 mph, and hence lower engine compartment noise and better fuel mileage, but these cars' suspensions and tires were simply not designed to go that fast originally. I have pushed my car ('47 with original suspension/drivetrain) ONE TIME above 70 mph (how much I won't say) on a long straight and it ran fine, but a very slight wiggle of the wheel even at 65 mph clearly revealed any quick maneuvers at these speeds will easily overwhelm the suspension and control could be lost. The 3.78 is very comfortable at 55-60 mph which is all I care to drive - would be surprised if you did not find the same. Like TomO, I have been very satisfied with my decision to skip the Columbia as well. Btw - from recall TomO is a mid-westerner/flat-lander who runs a 3.54 on his '40. Run the 3.78 for a while - seriously doubt you'll ever want to go further. Fun to drive. Steve
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| voced | -- 01-13-2015 @ 6:36 AM |
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Thanks to all of you for your help in this. Sounds like 3:78 is the one. Happy cruising.
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