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Discussion Topic:
Best rear axel ratio with a Columbia
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c-gor |
12-18-2013 @ 12:41 PM
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New Member
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I have had a Columbia with a 3:78 rear end under my vehicle since 1986. The stock flathead develops more than enough power to keep up at highway (65MPH) speeds. Drove to Oregon in 2005 and did need to use 2nd gear over mountains but other than that, the 3:78 with the Columbia gives you a final gear of about 2:80.
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Kenneth M. |
12-14-2013 @ 1:59 PM
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My 39 has 3.78 and no problem at all. Now in steep mountains yes I do go to low range. I know I would not be happy with 4.11 in a Columbia. I might not have enough power to have 3.54 in a Columbia.
Kenneth M. Stewart
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TomO |
12-14-2013 @ 8:19 AM
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The overdrive ratio on a Columbia is about .72. So to get the final ratio with a 3.78:1 you would multiply the 3.78 x .72 = 2.72 : 1 final ratio. Ford dealers preferred the 4.11:1 gear set when a Columbia was used. It gave plenty of pep in standard and gave good mileage in overdrive with a final ratio of 2.96:1. With a 3.78:1 gear set and a Columbia, and the stock 85 HP engine, you may have problems passing on a slight upgrade, with a 3.54:1 gear set and a Columbia, you will have problems passing on a flat road. If you had the Mercury 4" crankshaft,your engine would have enough torque to handle either of the ratios.
Tom
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Kenneth M. |
12-14-2013 @ 6:09 AM
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Posts: 86
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In my 39 I have a Columbia with 3.78 ring and pinion. Now when I put it in high range what is the ratio. I know the way to tell what the ratio is, is to mark the pinion shaft. then have someone hold one axles haft from turning and turn the other axle shaft. Note the number turns the pinion shaft turns. 4 turns=4.11, 3 3/4 turns=3.78 and 3 1/2=3.56 that all I have. Now with the Columbia and 3.56 in low range what would the ratio be in high range? That I don't have.
Kenneth M. Stewart
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Kenneth M. |
12-14-2013 @ 5:41 AM
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Posts: 86
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I will call Charlie and ask him what ratio for sure he had in his 39 coupe. I know it was 3:2? He told n me he got the gears from Speed Way. I road in the car and it ran super not lacking for power. When you have a Columbia with 370 gears what the high range? Charlie did have a 53 engine in his 39 so that was a advantage with the high gears I would say.I will call Charlie today its to early yet for him. about 9:30 or later. I have a Columbia in my 39 and I love it. I don't beat my cars. I can run 55 pretty easy but never over 60. Now I am using GPS to get the correct speed the 39 is running.
Kenneth M. Stewart
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supereal |
12-13-2013 @ 4:12 PM
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Thanks, Mike. I went to an overdrive unit in my '47, as we live just north of an Interstate. While I prefer the "blue" highways for my excursions, in most cases, you have some stretches of four lanes. I opted for a 33 percent unit with my 3:78, but would choose a 30 pct uniit after years of experience with mine so I could leave it engaged befow 45 mph. I admire the purists, such as your excellent restorations, but I have to drive my cars to fully enjoy them, and the OD lets me cruise in comfort. Just because I said I never saw a 3:22, doesn't mean there were not made. I just don't see the need. Happy Holidays, old friend!
This message was edited by supereal on 12-13-13 @ 4:15 PM
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kubes40 |
12-13-2013 @ 7:07 AM
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Posts: 3394
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Hey Super, earlier this year I did some research on the 3:22 ratio gear sets. Although I never found any that were truly 3:22, I did find 3:25 and (1) 3:26. Ford did not make any 3:22 nor 3:25. At least none that I could find any records for. I did this research as I have a mos matched pair of 3:26 gears that are 100% for certain Ford. It appears that set of gears (3:26) were experimental. Yes, they are Ford script (stamped) and the numbers etched in match (ring & pinion). respectfully, Mike Kubarth
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supereal |
12-12-2013 @ 11:33 AM
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A 3:22 rear end? I've never seen one, nor is it listed in my parts books. In mountains, it would have to be run in low gear, or downhill only. C&G does show a 3:25 ratio for 35-48 Ford, 42-48 Merc, and 35-41 pickups. It would seem to require a very flat terrain, or a bigger engine than the stock flathead to get up to speed where it could outrun the stock ratios.
This message was edited by supereal on 12-12-13 @ 12:13 PM
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Kenneth M. |
12-11-2013 @ 9:06 AM
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My 40 has 3:54 and It could stank a bit higher. I know a fellow that had 3:22 in his 39 and I road in the car it did very well. In fact he would run off from me. We live in mountains country.My 39 has 3:78 and on the interstate I could stand a bit higher gear to run with the traffic. 4:11 are not good for todays driving. My 40 using the GPS for driving when the car is at 55 the engine I can hear pretty good.
Kenneth M. Stewart
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ford38v8 |
12-10-2013 @ 4:27 PM
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Not really, it depends on what kind of driving you do. 3.54 pretty much limits the fun driving to the flat highway, as it would be too sluggish around town, and no good in the mountains at all. 3.78, on the other hand, is a good all round choice for the car.
Alan
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