Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Why are the rear gear ratios so high on the 37 Packards? I assuming because the speed limits weren't as high as they are today? My 138CD says 4.54. That rivals some drag cars in something with barely 130ish hp!

Together with the low end torque of the straight 8, you could quickly to 3rd gear and pretty much stay there the whole time. There were no interstates, and most of the time 45-50 mph was the top speed with the condition of the roads. I have a 37 120 rear axle laying here that says 409.

BDC is right on target, and adding to that was the fact that in 1937 much of more rural areas had less than 50% paved roads. Packard's ratios were very much in line with other large and heavy cars of the era. Though both higher and lower were available my '34 has the pretty much standard 4.69 though that is somewhat mitigated by larger (17") tire diameter.