Re: Rear gear ratio

Posted by HH56 On 2011/4/6 12:47:43

Decisions, Decisions. It will be an interesting project. Putting a 3 foot motor where a 4 foot used to be will have some challenges. PV8 has named a few. Another will be whether to set the engine/trans back to clear steering cross shaft and gear and take advantage of some easier mounting areas for trans which leaves the radiator way up front or move the engine up closer and then maybe have oil pan clearance issues with the steering cross shaft plus all the engineering for the mounts. I think it may wind up costing a fair bit either way you go. Maybe as much and as long a time as fixing originals.

On the alignment question, if it makes you feel better, Packard didn't get it quite right in 56 when first going to the Dana rear ends in place of using their own. A bulletin has the dealers install shims to tip the rear axle slightly or to change rear end ratio to minimize or change the start & duration point of a vibration period around 60 mph. Note minimize, not eliminate is the operative word. They cautioned dealers not to promise a cure. If it takes you a few tries, you're in good company.