Re: Packard info for a novice please

Posted by Ross On 2014/3/16 6:20:44

Back to your original question about ratios: Most cars of the 48-50 era came with a 3.9 axle if equipped with straight stick. They are 60 mph cars, 65 if you have tall tires. They were designed with rural roads and city traffic in mind.

If you got overdrive, the axle ratio usually bumped up to 4.1 for more flexibility, but the car was now an 80 mph plus car with no particular strain. I have driven my 51 (same power train) loooong distances at 75 and above. Hard on the wallet, but not the engine.

Ultramatic cars at that time got a 3.54. You can put that axle very profitably into a stick shift car, but with overdrive I find it over geared and requires frequent kickdown.

As you know from your Hudson experience, the OD and low rear gearing makes the car very flexible in all types of driving.

I am a bit surprised that your 53 is only happy to 60. My 50 Commander has the same gearing and can hardly be kept below 70 without paying attention.