11-39, 3:54 to 1

[Christoph]

Tried "Search" but couldnt find postings....

As i have to install a new Ring and Pinion, would you
recommend to use a 11-39, 3:54 to 1 instead of the
standard (even with an elderly engine?)

Thank you
Chrstoph

[juke joint johnny]

Christoph
I just put one in my pickup and thats a bit tired . It gives you a bit more speed and the engine is running slower . I also find that I am able to use 2nd gear a bit more for actual driving rather than just as a way to get into 3rd gear. I had one in my 28 Tudor and that went like the wind !! but the engine was a total rebuild with a counter balanced crank and lightened flywheel Let's see what the others think about it !!! Have you taken your axle apart yet? or are you waiting for the spring spreader?
regards John

[2manycars]

There is not a lot of difference between the two, but enough to warrant using 3.54. It would need to be a heavy car with a really tired engine for it to be much problem. I have put the 3.54 in most of the cars I have had.

[Dave in Boise]

go with the 3:54.. They are close enough and the lower price on the 3:54 seals the deal in my opinion. I have a 3:54 in one of my coupes and it really does make it easier driving in traffic.

[CarlG]

Snyder's says they are out of the 3.54, but they do have the 3.27

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by CarlG

Snyder's says they are out of the 3.54, but they do have the 3.27

From my experience you really need a "healthy horse" under the hood to pull a 3.27 ratio.

[darrylkmc]

Here is a link to a previous thread on the subject (opinions on pinions) and my input on the subject of gear ratios:

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63395

Back in the early '80, while building a '31 Pick-Up, I installed 3.54 gears. Once I was able to drive it I realized within 24 hours that I had made a mistake.
3.54 ratio might be alright for flatlanders or modified drivetrains, but for stock Model A's 3.78 was a wise choice by Ford.
3.54 gears will fall on its face on steep hills and increase speed travelling down the other side resulting in overuse of your brakes. This is not the case with 3.78.

Darryl in Fairbanks

[Dave in Boise]

wow, would a 3:27 ratio would give you something like 20 mph in 1st and 40 on 2nd?

I have 3:78s in my tudor which is set for touring and generally carries 4 people as well as spare parts and tools, so on a heavy vehicle or excessively hilly areas, I'd go with 3:78. Flatland is great for 3:54 for light vehicles and the 3:27 would be best in a lightwieght speedster with a hopped up engine..

Lots to consider when selecting a rear gear set...

In a past hobby I had a 68 firebird with 2:78 gears.. It would finally shift into 3rd gear around 70 and the stall converter would not lock in until about 85mph or so.. Fun car, but absolutely useless rear gearing unless you were either on a salt flat or using the old th200, 2 speed automatic..

[dfish2931nc]

I had a 3:54 in a 29 fordor and loved it. I'm in NC (east)and had no problems with the hills here. The engine seemed happier also. 3:27 is too high for a worn engine.

[columbiA]

If you ever decide to go with an overdrive,Install a 4.11 gear set& have more power in 3rd & more speed in OD.Both my A,s have 4.11s & 28.5 % OD which gives a 2.94 final ratio.60 mph in OD is same RPM as 43 mph in 3 rd gear.

[Christoph]

Thank you all for your ideas.
Will have some days left to decide

@ Darryl
Ja - im in fear it might "fall on its face on steep hills"
( 2nd gear aint the "best" as somewhat noisy)

@Johnny.
I took a day off yesterday, did a 500mile travel to hire
a spreader.

Good thing, as this makes me able to work today and all Easter...

Latest delivery took 5 days to arrive in germany (but still is in customs)

I will try to change clutch and all bearings and gaskets in the drivetrain too.

will keep you updated
Thank you
Christoph


A big "Thank you" to Snyders again, as the all new hub and drum (they sent
for free) arrived 2 days ago


Edit
1) I dont want to go any faster
2) No way to go 3,27

[Tom Wesenberg]

You should do fine with a 3.54 and if you have the money, I'd install the Snyder's 5.5 head. Then the hills should be no problem.

[Aerocraft]

Tom hit it on the head. With just a 3.54 you will lose performance on the top end, especially in hilly country. Also install the Snyder's 5.5 head and you will more than get back the performance you lost. Add a Stipe cam and you will be amazed. Gar Williams

[Christoph]

After i did everything else , i will rebuilt engine next ;-))

Thank you
Christoph

[Christoph]

Do i need a different tacho-drive, once i change to 3:54 ??

Thank you
Christoph

[Dave in Boise]

yes, you will need a new speedometer drive gear

[Aerocraft]

You will need an 18 tooth gear. Available at Snyder's. Gar Williams

[juke joint johnny]

Christoph
If your going to rebuild an engine . Is it worth trying to find one of the German G28T improved Model B engines, They were still being used in trucks in Germany up to 1952. I have seen one in a Dutch car, but never managed to buy one yet !!! Have a look at Vince Falters excelent site The Ford Garage a lot of information on there about them.
Good Luck with the axle
John

[Christoph]

Thank you all !!!

Without you, i would be stranded.

To learn even more :
Why are there 4 Ring/Pinion combinations with different axle speeds
available at the vendors, but just 2 drive-gears (18/19tooth) ???

@John
You bet im looking for a G28T, but most of them went the-way-of-
all-truck-engines i guess....

I saw one once, but that was in the incredible car of "Brad in Germany"
and he wasnt willing to give it to me

(Brad looks more healthy and stronger than me)

Greets Christoph

[Christoph]

Originally Posted by Aerocraft

You will need an 18 tooth gear. Available at Snyder's. Gar Williams

Im somewhat confused.
My Tacho used to be correct with original axle.
I just switched to 3:54 (longer axle)
Found out that speedo-drive allready was 18 tooth

Which one do i need now??

Thank you Christoph