ClassicCar

kamzack

Would like to find Spicer or Dana rear end in the 3:73 to 3:50s range. If there is another type from a later model that has the same width, I'd consider that. I want to lower the rpms in my 254. Currently have a 4:10 w/overdrive.
Thanks in advance,
Kim

46HudsonPU

Kim - You'll need to tell us the make, model and year of the vehicle that you are referring to.

Also, you may want to attempt a historical 'Search', as this subject has been discussed here a few times -

Hudzilla

Kim, the first year hydramatic (1951) rear end built by Hudson was a 3:58. One year only.

46HudsonPU

Per Larry Cramer - Forum Handle "Uncle Josh" (and the HET Club Commercial Series Registrar),

The width of all stepdown's should be the same = 57 inches, wheel-mounting-surface to to-wheel-mounting-surface. You should be able to confirm this on your car.
There are a lot of later model Dana rearends out there. This should help you narrow your search a bit.

A few other things -
- Anything you put in (other than another Hudson rear) will need to have the spring perches cut out/moved and re-installed;
- Don't forget to take the shock mounts into consideration as well;
- Brakes will be a consideration, you'll most likely need to stay with drum brakes, which will further restrict your search and options;

A couple of 'F**d' options -
- Ranger Pickup rearend comes in various gear ratios, and the width is similiar;
- A bit of research online finds that the 1970's Lincoln Towncar (9" rear) has a width of 57";

These should have a similiar five (5) bolt pattern, however I am not positive that all Rangers will have the 5-bolt pattern (?).

Uncle Josh

Larry here. If you have the 4.11 rear end, (check it by jacking up one rear wheel, marking the tire and rotate it 2 turns while counting the revs of the driveshaft), and overdrive, which is about 27%, you are only turning about 2000 rpm at 60 which is a happy rev for the engine. Most overdrives came with the 4.55 rear end to give you something for hills.

If you're revving much more that the above, I'd question whether the OD is working.

According to the late Bob Bateholts, a 254 doesn't like to be lugged.

Also, my late old mechanic and Hudson racer (track champion), Stan Lupka, always said that rpms don't hurt an engine. Lugging does. I'd leave it alone if everything is working.

kamzack

Thanks for the input
My car; 50 Commodore. It came without OD. I installed overdrive tans and parts from a 51 parts car. So it has 4.11 .Overdrive works perfectly. It has bout 3k miles on engine rebuild and more money than I can afford,took 7 years, and want to do all I can to extend it's life. I enjoy driving it and I'm in it almost everyday. I usually run 60 to 70 mph on highway.
Thanks again,
Kim

Tallent R

I did the same thing with my last 254 -put OD in and left the 4.11 in place. Ran about 15,000 miles before I sold it with no noticeable issues. Many highway trips 60-70 mph all day long 15-21 mpg depending,
Roger

kamzack

Thanks Roger for the encouragement. On my last trip, I figured I got around 16. I'm not sure my odometer is correct. Mapquest had number of miles @ around 625. My odometer read about 710, so I'm not really sure. I used 41 gallons.
Having 2 Studebaker rears on my shop floor, width is with in a 1/4inch of each other. I may leave well enough alone this year, but will still keep my ears open.
Kim

Tallent R

Its very hard to get an old speedo that is accurate. They may never have been very good . I recall the poice cars all used to have special speedometers that were certified .Possibly for the very lack of accuracy problem.
But any way maybe you could find some 16 " wheels from a older Hudson for your rear end till you get what you want. I put them on steepdowns in the shop here to roll cars around on -theres clearance for it. Would give you higher ratio but speedo would be off,
Roger

Park_W

kam, if you're set on reducing the rpm's beyond what you've got now, I think the '52-'54 Dana with 3.73 gears is the best and simplest solution. Been running that setup on my Hornet for several years, and am very happy with it. The 3.58 with OD is just a bit over-geared ... had to get out of OD on some Interstate Hwy hills. The 3.73 doesn't seem like that much difference, but the results really are.

kamzack

Thanks Park,
I been talking with Dr.Doug about this for bout a month. I've located a 3.58 and asked his opinion. He said it'd work just fine. I'd rather have the 3.73, but this is what I've come with and only 100 miles away. I do appreciate your concern, passing the info to me and wil keep it in the back of my mind. If it doesn't feel right, I'll swap it back to the 4.10.
Kim

hudman51

I'm running the 3.58 in my 1 carb Hornet w/ OD and it is a real sweet freeway car. I think you will like the set-up.
Jon C

kamzack

Thanks for the encouragement, Jon. Gonna go after it next week and do the install the next week, unless I get ambitious. Gonna go to a Hudson meet on the 8th, so don't want anything to get in the way of that. Shouldn't be an all day operation, but stuff happens and happens here alot.
Kim

lostmind

It should be fine in the area where you live.In parts of PA and West Virginia
you wouldn't be in OD very often.
Fred Lorenz has that gear in his 8cyl with OD and it handles it good in Ohio.

Geoff C., N.Z.

Let's see - 3.58, -30% for the o/d = final drive ratio of 2.53: 1. I wouldn't want any steep hills to go over! :O

SuperDave

Yep, you are right Geoff, I have that setup in my 49 super six 262, With twin H, a Pertronx disributor. and we live in a sea level enviornment. Biggest hill is an overpass. Works for me. Speedo has a 12% error. Thanks to a GPS I can keep track of my speed. Love it, but it would not be a good deal in the North East USA. I had the same deal in my old 49 254. flat country again.. Great road speed and good Mileage. I think I'll leave my newest 49 254 convertible alone with the stock gears. Well maybe would swap a 4.11 If I found one.. hmmm..

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