Columbia two speed differentials

[John K. Endrizzi]

It was quite a change going from a blown 286 cu in. EAB / 5 speed Tremec/ Winters quick change differential in a fenderless chopped 29 Tudor to a totally stock 41 Super Deluxe Coupe. The drivetrain, like the rest of the coupe is completely stock. Not sure what the differential ratio is. The motor is comfortable at 45, but not so happy at 55. I'd like to hear from those of you running a stock motor in front of a Columbia two speed diff. How difficult are theses differentials to come by. What do they bring and how expensive are they to completely re build. Thanks again to those who helped me out with my door handle mess.

[cas3]

I have a columbia behind my 59 ab, single carb, merc crank and cam, not a fire breathing
monster, and I love it. 4.11 gear set, mine is manually shifted, you get 6 gears now, and I use em. They are expensive, especially if you want all the correct controls for your year.
I have none of that, just the rear end and two shifters in the car...34 3w.

[Terry,OH]

Look at the bottom of the differential center section and there may be numbers divide the one number by the other to find the original gear ratio. Depending upon where you live and drive the topography can help decide the gear ratio you want 4:11 or 3:78 is suggested. If you contact John Conelly at Columbia Two Speed (web site) you should be able to get a rebuilt Columbia that is already bullet proofed plus controls.

[Bored&Stroked]

They are one of the few choices if you want to have an overdrive and not put a bunch of modern gear in an early car. With that said, they are expensive to buy and to get ready to use - but you'll like the results. I'd probably go with the 4.11 gears as you'll end up with about a 2.95 or so gear ratio. It isn't easy to drive a higher ratio than this - with a stock engine.

Given what core units cost and the work to rebuild and strengthen them, my guess is that you can expect to have roughly $5,000 in a setup (possibly more - depending on level of "bulletproofing" and controls).

[pistonbroke]

I've run a Columbia in my 38 Zephyr and a Mitchell in my 41pickup . They are both dreams to drive on the open road. The Mitchell wins in the end though. Price , install work , and availability. On some vehicles I hear about clearance issues but I have not had any and my pickup is lowered six inches in the rear. Tim

[dean333]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

cas3: how to you get six gears with a Columbia??

[Planojc]

Go with the Mitchell.

[Seth Swoboda]

Your '41 most likely has a 3.78 gear ratio. It seems like it's not happy at 55 mph but it can handle it with ease. I have ran a 3.78 with a stock 59A engine at 65 mph with no problems.

I do realize that the engine noise at 65 mph is more than most folks like. I usually install a 3.54 and have a '37 Ford with a 3.25. They go down the road easily with a few less RPM's.

A columbia is amazing. It will really make a difference in the car at highway or crusing speeds. The drawbacks are what Borded&Stroked mentioned. For me the cost is prohibative. Most of my cars wouldn't fetch $20,000 so spending 1/4 of the cars value for an overdrive is out. That is why I change gear ratios in the rearend and transmission. That is much cheaper. I daily drive a V8 Ford.

[Ol' Ron]

The Mitchell would be my choice as well. I spent a month in the mountians of Co with Paul Garagn and his 34 with a columbia. Worked like a dream, I commented on that. He said, never again the cost of keeping it running and the time waiting isn't worth it. Next time it comes out will be the last time.
I ran a columbia in a lincoln and had no trouble. But it was free.
Gramps

[jake197000]

i have 2 cars with them love them both

[cas3]

Dean333, when its manually controlled I can use overdrive in 1st also, so in essence split 3 gears, gives you 6. For example, when cruising at 25-30 on a gravel road, 2nd is wound up tight, and 3rd is lugging, but 2nd in overdrive is just right said mama bear

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

The Mitchell would be my choice as well. I spent a month in the mountians of Co with Paul Garagn and his 34 with a columbia. Worked like a dream, I commented on that. He said, never again the cost of keeping it running and the time waiting isn't worth it. Next time it comes out will be the last time.
I ran a columbia in a lincoln and had no trouble. But it was free.
Gramps

Yes, Paul, "RumbleSeat" had trouble on that trip and got little help from his re-builder.


https://www.dropbox.com/preview/Tech...&role=personal


I have on be in my '32 with 3:78 rear and love it!


Glenn

[47topless]

The hype around the need to "Bulletin proof" these Columbias is way over blown. This is not a cost-effective insurance plan. Reminds of the "Car Sheild" crap". Just get a good, used, (No Cracks!) unit and follow the directions for operating the unit and you'll be just fine.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by 47topless

The hype around the need to "Bulletin proof" these Columbias is way over blown. This is not a cost-effective insurance plan. Reminds of the "Car Sheild" crap". Just get a good, used, (No Cracks!) unit and follow the directions for operating the unit and you'll be just fine.

I agree. I had John Deats weld my carrier up. I replaced the clutches and did all assembly work myself. It is trouble free. Yeah "bullet proof", sure ..... and not RumbleSeat's experience. Shimming the center section halves was the most tedious part.


Glenn

[busmania]

Does anyone sell these “turn key”? I realize it is probably pricey but something I’d rather pay for than “upgrade” the drivetrain (which probably costs just as much).

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by busmania

Does anyone sell these “turn key”? I realize it is probably pricey but something I’d rather pay for than “upgrade” the drivetrain (which probably costs just as much).

Not that I'm aware of. Run a new thread in the "wanted" part of this forum.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15


Also check in the for sale:


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[dean333]

John Connelly sells the complete Columbia with controls, truly “turn key.” Installed one in my 33 in February.

[fordyford]

I have a complete disassembled 1937/40 Columbia to sell. All parts have been inspected and are ok. PM me for more info and pictures.
Keith

[Ray in La Mesa]

Glad to hear all the positive remarks (the negatives are real but it's a personal choice).I've had a Columbia in my '28 "A" pickup since 1974 (way before the Mitchell, Ryan & Volvo o/ds). It was already cut down to fit a Model A & I traded my stock rear end plus $100 for it, then had John Deats rebuild & bullet proof it for $1200. No original controls so built a manual shifter out of 3/4" pipe & a bell crank. It's so kool to be able to split the gears the mountains. Yes, my "A" engine is warmed over a bit to pull it using a 3.78 gear set. It's been working perfect for the 87,000+ miles I've driven it since. I put a Mitchell in my '30 A Cabriolet.

[cas3]

Ray, it sounds to me like you have too much fun! Happy motoring...carry on