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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1961 Ford Econoline truck/170 6 cyl.

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Expert: - 8/14/2008


Question
Mr. Sears.....could you tell me what the gear ratio was in this truck originally? I want to change the ring and pinion to run the trucks engine at a lower rpm while getting more speed out of it on the highway....it is geared pretty low....Could you tell me what KIND of rear end it has also? 9in./ dropout? etc.....etc....thank you again sir52hqb

Answer
My answer is based on experience. Changing the ring and pinion to a lower the gear ration will make the truck a slug. I was a trouble shooter for Ford in that era and we had a problem with that model truck as underpowered. The factory changed the axle ration to the one that you probably had to make the truck driveable. That engine was only a 2.7 liter engine and is smaller than any engine used in a current mini van. The van has the aerodynamics of a brick and just does not have the poop with the three speed transmission to support a lower axle ratio. The best advice is to find an overdrive transmission or an overdrive add on. They are advertised in the street rod magazines.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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