The Ford Barn

Jayvee · 06-12-2025, 02:00 PM

Hi everyone,
I recently sold my 68 GTO and as I have always liked the 55/56 Fords, I am considering venturing into the Ford World. Specifically thinking about a Sunliner. I learned with the GTO that there is a lot to learn about any classic car and there is a lot of friendly advice and help available in forums like this one. I have a couple of questions as I begin my search. Wondering about highway cruising with the stock rear gear ratio (which I understand to be either 3.22 or 3.56 with a V8 and automatic transmission). Do you find the RPM's to be ok, or is it common to change the gear ratio to lower them? Conversion to overdrive transmission? I know 3.55's in the Pontiac put the car at about 3,000 at 60 mph and I wasn't comfortable pushing it much beyond that on long highway trips. Also, what are some of the common upgrades owners consider? Rack and Pinion steering or other suspension upgrades? Anything else I should be careful about or aware of when checking out potential purchases? Like I said, I am new to the Fords and any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

06-12-2025, 02:00 PM	#1
Jayvee Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2025 Posts: 5	New member thinking about finding a 55 or 56 Sunliner Hi everyone, I recently sold my 68 GTO and as I have always liked the 55/56 Fords, I am considering venturing into the Ford World. Specifically thinking about a Sunliner. I learned with the GTO that there is a lot to learn about any classic car and there is a lot of friendly advice and help available in forums like this one. I have a couple of questions as I begin my search. Wondering about highway cruising with the stock rear gear ratio (which I understand to be either 3.22 or 3.56 with a V8 and automatic transmission). Do you find the RPM's to be ok, or is it common to change the gear ratio to lower them? Conversion to overdrive transmission? I know 3.55's in the Pontiac put the car at about 3,000 at 60 mph and I wasn't comfortable pushing it much beyond that on long highway trips. Also, what are some of the common upgrades owners consider? Rack and Pinion steering or other suspension upgrades? Anything else I should be careful about or aware of when checking out potential purchases? Like I said, I am new to the Fords and any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.