Rear Axle: Rear end changes.

[drnittler]

I have a 61 Lark with the six cylinder engine and automatic transmission, I have some rear end questions..
I am thinking of changing the gears in the rear end to be able to go highway speeds. (The car seems reved up after 55 mph). I never have done this job before so..

1. What would the numbers be on my rear end gears now. ie, stock?
2. What gears and numbers would I need?
3. Who has these parts?
4. What is the procedures to change the gears?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

[pinehurstbob]

Its a lot easier and cheaper to change the complete housing. There should be a tag on your differential telling you what your current ratio is. If you have a 331 you can look for a 307 and that will give you what you are looking for. A six auto can be pretty lazy if you make drastic changes. If it were mine, I would only switch to the next available ratio: that is if you have a 354 go to the 331, 373 go to the 354. Backing plates with brakes intact are easily moved from 1 housing to another. Don't use a Dana as you will have to shorten your drive shaft and you don't need a Dana in a 6 cyl Lark. Should be lots available from our flea market vendors.

Bob

[jackb]

Likely, you have 3.73 as the standard ratio axle. If I were 90% driving flat country, I'd think 3.31 at the very most.