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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Rear axle change

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Discussion Topic: Rear axle change -- page: 1 2

RTHaggard

04-11-2017 @ 5:19 PM

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I'm 75 years old and recently purchased my first classic car, a 1951 Ford custom. he car has only 45K miles and is in great condition.I plan to keep the car mostly original, but I want to change the rear axle to improve interstate driving. My web research says a 1974-1978 Maverick axle is the best choice.

My question: is the Maverick a good choice and would the drive shaft need to be altered, will the couplings match, and are there any other problems I have not thought of.

CharlieStephens

04-11-2017 @ 6:07 PM

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I assume you mean you want a higher rear end ratio. I would think the best solution would be to have yours rebuilt with the gear ratio you want. If you posted your general location (and put it in your profile) someone might know of a good rebuilder. Someone might know of a complete rear end with the gears you want. Also add your email to your profile so someone can contact you directly if they want to.

Charlie Stephens

This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 4-11-17 @ 6:08 PM

deluxe40

04-11-2017 @ 7:00 PM

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I would have questions about all of the places the rear axle meets other components: springs, shocks, driveshaft and wheels. Ford introduced the automatic transmission in '51 so you should be able to find a center section with a 3.31 gear ratio that will fit your axle. Try shoebox-central.com .

CharlieStephens

04-11-2017 @ 7:06 PM

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Ask around and you will be surprised how easy it is the change the center section on a '51. You should be able to get a complete adjusted center section shipped to you from a rebuilder.

Charlie Stephens

GK1918

04-12-2017 @ 3:15 AM

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Just a note on Mavrick or its twin Mercury axles. Most are automatics and that won't work cause the ratios are in the two's. For this you will have to find a "hard to find one from a standard" I did this
with a 1936 Plymouth which was a easy swap but was from a automatic oh ya, most driving was
done in second at 65 mph and third I could do a scary 80, BUT taking off in 1st was pretty much
gutless or worth less. So with luck my cousin has a 32 Ford hotrod 302 with automatic but he
has a Mavrick standard axle so we swapped mine for his and we were all happy. Just find a
overdrive trans. they are out there just keep looking sam

woodiewagon46

04-12-2017 @ 4:55 AM

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I agree with Charlie. Why go into all the modifications needed to replace the entire rear, when any good gear shop can replace the gears in the center section and you can be on your way. What new gear ratio are you looking for and what is the current ratio?

39 Ken

04-12-2017 @ 4:59 AM

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Why not find an '51 overdrive transmission? It is a direct change
out and all you have to add is a relay, a step down switch and wiring. If not included with the overdrive trans, you will also need a solenoid and a governor.
Your car probably has a 3.73 rear end ratio and in overdrive that would
give you a 30% reduction in RPM's. This is what I have in my '51 and we can travel on the Interstate with no problem.

This message was edited by 39 Ken on 4-12-17 @ 5:03 AM

TomO

04-12-2017 @ 7:06 AM

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If you just purchased the car, you should probably wait until you have driven it for a few thousand miles, before changing the axle ratio. The stock axle ratio is a good compromise for both city and highway driving. You may find out that it will suit you and no changes are necessary.

If you intend to do a lot of highway driving, then I would suggest the overdrive transmission and a rear end ratio change.

Tom

carcrazy

04-12-2017 @ 6:09 PM

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Here is an article from Hemmings about the Ford 8" rear axle. It is a great axle to use but requires some work to install. You can get almost any axle ratio you want in an 8" unit.

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2008/05/Ford-8-in--differential-carriers/1626174.html

1934 Ford

04-12-2017 @ 6:11 PM

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TomO is right to wait awhile. You will find all the 1951 parts were made for 50-60 MPH,
not 70-80. Then if you want the engine to work less hard to do 50-60, just change the differential gears. At today's speeds, you'll beat your car up to keep up.

1934 Ford's since 1972

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