Thanks! I checked out those sites this afternoon and there is a lot of good info listed there. I know some of those models are in some of the salvage yards nearby and I can probably get them at a reasonable price for picking the parts myself. I will pay attention to the bolt patterns and make sure I can find 5 x 5.5. It would be nice to keep my rear and just change the gear. What rpm range is considered "normal" at 70mph? also, any words of wisdom for hooking up a tach to my truck? It was 6V but I have switched to a 12v generator out of an newer (64) ford truck. no alterantor (yet)

55 F100  Summerville, SC

You need to keep an eye on wheel bolt patterns, or you end up with two different kinds of wheels, or have to redrill axles and drums.  I know passenger rears for the most part have a smaller bolt circle than your older truck.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Check these sites:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/9/051/article/1953__1956_F100_Rear_End_Selection_and_Rear_Suspension_Lowering_.html

http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/FordRearDimensions.html

I also just read on a search that 56-72 F100 rear ends are the same width. Check that out too. Once you determine the width you need check the local yards. Also look localy on EBAY and Graigslist. They are out there! Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I only haul wood about twice a year as that gives me enough to last our family through the winter. I could use my 89 for that though (it just doesn't look as cool going down the road ). I tried the second-to-first trick this morning on the way to work and it does make a difference. I am going to start with the rearend and see what kind of decrease in rpms that gives me and then look at the transmission after that. Not a whole lot to chose from here locally in SC that I have found.

55 F100  Summerville, SC

Steve: In the meantime, to reduce gear grinding, from neutral try putting it in 2nd then back into low. That often reduces the problem..

Paul

With stock gearing you're probably turning in the neighborhood of 3500-4000rpm at about 70mph. Do you plan to haul more wood and pull more trailers? If so, then I advise against changing the rear gears and biting the bullet to upgrade to an overdrive transmission or even tracking down an overdrive unit for your transmission..


Lawrenceville, GA

thanks for the info Chuck, I will post the question and see what I can find out. I hate to put too much strain on the engine at the higher rpms, but it is becoming my daily driver and I need it to run with the traffic on the interstate with ease.

55 F100  Summerville, SC

At least its a Ford! I would look around the local yards for a 9" rear end with a 3:20 or so ratio. If you have a choice get a posi unit. The pick up guys here should be able to tell you which vehicles are the easiest swap. Other than possible drive shaft mods it should be a bolt up. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

not sure about the granny low, it is the stock three speed tranny it came with. I have had the truck loaded full with firewood and pulling a trailer full of firewood at the same time and it had no problems pulling off from a dead stop. first gear does grind a little when going into gear though, it may be close to needing some attention. As far as sticking to originality, don't hate me but I was at one time thinking of pulling the 302 and AOD out of my '89 ford and putting in my '55 but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I have been thinking along the lines of a T-5 but the least expensive route to lower rpms is the best right now.

55 F100  Summerville, SC

Does your trannsmission have the "granny" low gear? You probably have a low geared truck tranny in there along with the rear end. Made to pull stumps! Do you want to stay stock or? A later trans and 9" rear end would make it normally driveable. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire