Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Our 1957 Ford Skyliner presently has the 3.56 ratio rear axle ring and pinion gears in it behind our 312 w/automatic transmission. Our axle code "2". The gears are starting to howl and at 70 mph, the engine sounds like it's over revving. Time to replace them. I have two options, one is the 3.10 ratio (code 1) if I can find the new gears at all. The next option is the 3.25 ratio ring and pinion from Mac's. Their Ford Part number #49-30725-1 @ $300. They are supposed to fit 9" rear ends of '57 to '59 Fords. The 3.25 ratio first came out in 1958. Will that ratio also fit our 1957 Ford? I do not want the locking rear end that was used during the same years.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

3.00:1 ratio is readily available aftermarket for the 9 inch.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

You can get a good set of the ratio you want from Jeg's.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Might talk to these guys, they're fairly close.

http://www.ringpinion.com

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

MikeR98038, Your Randy's looks like the way to go. He has better prices and a better selection. Would my 1957 Skyliner 312 cu. in. be able to easily pull the 3 to 1 ratio with my automatic? It looks like the best ratio for gas mileage. Thank you for the help.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

I have the 3.00 in my 55 Customline with 312 and a CruiseOMatic. Runs great and only spins about 2400 rpms at 70 mph. 26.5 inch tall tire.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

55Brodie would know better than I would, but I think with a stock or mild cam you'd be fine. I had an OT 327, bone stock 2 barrel, and a .7 O/D with 3.55's. That worked out to 2.48 final drive, about the same tire size. Your going to lose a little leaving a stop, and a little at lower speed cruise. So long as the motor is on its torque curve at cruise, you'll be fine. You've got more 45-55mph roads up there, and probably more freeway travel, than I do down south.

I think the COM starts in low, and the Fordo in second. So you might have to do a manual shift starting on a hill, but that would be seldom and live able.

Depending on your skills and budget, I'd get a price to do a full install. You're probably due for bearings in the pumpkin. Maybe bearings and seals in the axles. I know he's got a full service shop, and when all is said and done, a full warrantee on the rear end might be worth it.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Since the 9" Ford is so popular with racers gear ratios like you want show up at swap meets and craigslist a lot usually at a budget price because they usually get swapped out.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Streetdreams, I went ahead and ordered from Jegs like you suggested. Overall they did have the best prices, but their catalogs don't go back to 1957 for very many parts like wheel bearings, speedometer gears, and etc. So for $183.99, I have the street quality 3 to 1 gears coming, and for another $100.99, I will be getting their master installation kit containing bearings, shims, and so forth. I am a journeyman power trains mechanic, so I am in my element with the rear axle gear installation. Thank you all for the help. The next challenge will be to find a 3.00 to 1 speedometer driven gear for my 1957 Fordomatic transmission. Any ideas?

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

I located 1957 Ford speedometer driven gears from Dennis Carpenter. 16 thru 21 tooth gears at $9.95 each. I will have to find out which tooth count that I will need for the 3 to 1 axle ratio. I also discovered that my Skyliner uses the heavier rear axle bearing like both the Ranchero and the station wagon use. While things are apart, new axle bearing will go into it also.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Existing driven gear tooth count X 1.187 = new required tooth count. (3.56 ÷ 3)

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

Check the bearings before you buy. Just went through a pass car '57 rear and needed an axle. Got one from a Skyliner guy across state. he mentioned he got the axle he sold me out of a Skyliner equipped with the smaller bearing housing.

Re: Taller axle gears for our '57 Ford Skyliner
 

The dirt modifieds approved quick change rear ends for next season, there will be a ton of 9" gears on the auction block