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Ottobethere

Maybe I would find my answer in one of those interchange books but I don't have one yet. I'm trying to find out what is the latest rear end I can run in the 41 C6S that will mount up with out having to do a lot of modifications? I know gear ratio plays an important part. Thanks.

Browniepetersen

Get ahold of Al Saffrahn in Az. Al is listed in the HET as an advisor on overdrives and often builds components such as rear ends. He can fit you with one that will provide you the best speed, durability and such for your car. Al did the one for my 36 and it changed it from a 50 mph tour car to a great 65 mph road car.

Ol racer

FYI
Ive use Ford 9" in mine. They have a lot of different ratios and housing widths. You would need the narrowest from an early Bronco or Maverick. The wheel pattern (4.5)" and U joint flange are identical to Hudson. The E Brake cables are adaptable, but the spring perches need cut and rewelded.

Ottobethere

Thanks for the information. It sound like a good start. I found a guy who has a rear end from a early 50's Hudson and I might try that route. I would like to send it to Al but it is not in the budget right now. Thanks again for the input.

Hudson308

Ottobethere wrote:

Thanks for the information. It sound like a good start. I found a guy who has a rear end from a early 50's Hudson and I might try that route. I would like to send it to Al but it is not in the budget right now. Thanks again for the input.

If you're going to use one from a stepdown, try to get one of the Dana/Spicer units from late '52 to '54. Recognizable by the removeable cover on the back of the pumpkin. These units are stronger, and offer a much wider choice of ratios and replacement parts.

[attachment=9179]French Lake 2006046.JPG[/attachment]

53jetman

I think you will find the rear end assembly from a '50s Hudson too narrow to maintain a tread width comparable to what your car had originally. What you might consider is replacing the ring & Pinion with one from a '51 or early ''52 Hudson with Hydromatic. They would have a 3.58 ratio which is better than your original.

Jon B

You asked what the latest rear end would fit, but didn't mention why you were looking. Did yours break, and you are assuming that it will be easier to find a replacement from a newer Hudson? Or are you trying to improve the gearing for highway speed? If the latter, have you considered getting an overdrive transmission (or do you already have one)? With overdrive, you'd probably want to stick to the standard (4.11, I think) 1941 ratio anyway. I think there was an optional high-speed rearend gear (3.5 or thereabouts) but with that gearing and overdrive, it would be questionable as to whether you'd be able to climb even the most gradual of hills.

Ottobethere

I have a little bit of a leak in mine and thought if I was going to pull it out why not put a newer one in. From networking I've managed to come across a rear end with the drums and leaf springs (complete).Of course, It may not be any better than the one I have now. At least I have a couple more ideas. Keeping the old girl stock is tough. From a budget stand point it almost makes more sense to run the ford 9". I would like to keep her original because she's not a hot rod just a cruiser. But I'm always looking for ways to improve what is there and if I can keep all Hudson parts in her all the better. A overdive transmission is on my list. I would like to be able to cruise a 65MPH. Here in california 55MPH on the freeway is not safe. Thanks for the picture of the pumpkin. A picture is priceless. When someone tells me something I might get it the second time but when I see a picture, right on!

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