My 56 Merc is an original overdrive car and as such has a 4.09 rear end ratio. I would like to drop down to a numerically lower ratio like in the 3.50 to 3.30 range.



Does anyone know of a source for these gears ? I believe these rears are Dana 44's and they still put Dana 44's in Jeeps. Same rear or different animal ?



Pete

The merc is a different animal. I do have a good 3.15 gear set up for a 56 mercury which is a spare I can sell. The gear selection is small for the mercury unlike a 9" which has a lot to choose from. PH: 828-298-2197 if interested.

-Gary Burnette-

Pete  I sent you a PM about the gears you need.  Carl

Thanks to both of you for the reply. The 3.15's may be a little to low numerically. The car has been converted from the original 3 speed od to a T-5 5 speed which would make those 3.15's about a 2.22 in 5th.



Pete

Then do you really need a taller gear? I'll be running a 4.something with my overdrive. It's 3.70 now.


Lawrenceville, GA

First gear is nearly useless with the 4.09's but the car is to heavy to start out in 2nd. Having done this 5 speed conversion in other cars I have learned that a 3.30 - 3.50 rear gear makes better use of the gearing in the tranny and gives you longer legs on top.



Pete

I second Petes opinion about 1st gear being useless w/a 4+ rear gear. Your not thru the intersection and the engine is screaming. I dropped mine back down to 3.55 and its much more streetable.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

I was thinking about it on the way to work today. Again, I was jumbling cars and trucks. Cars tend to use smaller diameter tires so taller ratios will work better with them.


Lawrenceville, GA

I would do the math, because we really don't know what your rear tires are. If you can shoot for an over all ratio in low of between 6.5 and roughly 8.0 I think you'll be in the ball park. Racing (drag ) would want more.    

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

That overall ratio should be 9 to 12  Example: 3.00 1st gear X 3.50 rear=10.50

With tall ie 29" tires i'd shoot for 12.

Goodluck,

Ron.