changing rear axle ratios on 185 and 259 with O/D

[Jim B PEI]

I have a 57 Champion sedan 185 w/OD, and a 63 Wagonaire 259 w/OD. As near as I can figure out, the 57 has the 4.56 (in a 23?) and the 63 the 3.73 axles in a 44, which are the usual choices, I think. I do mostly highway driving, not real fast and fast acceleration isn't necessary--I mosey along. I wanted to change the ratios to keep it quieter and cooler on the highway, and also if the overdrives stop working for whatever reason on a trip the 57 isn't suddenly impossible and the 63 uncomfortable at 50-60 mph. Basically, so that they would have more or less similar ratios as the overdrives now when locked out, and overdrive taller gears for flatland cruising. I might have access to a 57B 44 automatic axle which is 3.31 and a 60S manual (not overdrive) axle which is 4.10 in a 27, I think. Are these the sort of ratios I should be thinking about--4.10 replacing the 4.56, and 3.31 replacing the 3.73, if not these particular axles? Would a 60 go into a 57 as a swap or boltup, and would the 57 go into the 63? I will be changing the 63 to flanged axles anyway.

Jim B on PEI
63 259 o/d Wagonaire
57 Champion W4 o/d
57 Champion W4 automatic

[buddymander]

The 4.10 sounds good, but the 3.31 sounds a little scarey to me. IF your 259 makes good low rpm torque, it would work. Sometimes you try something like that and your overdrive becomes unusable. Personally, I like to try that stuff just to see if it would work. When you push a motor to its extreme, you have to do some extra tune up stuff, like adjusting the timing while in overdrive at the speed you want to cruise at; using a choke type cable and a vacuum gauge.

[gordr]

I think the 4.10 would be fine in the '57, and it should bolt right in. Only possible snag might be if the pinion snout length differs too much between the 23 and 27 axles, you might have to have the rear section of the drive shaft shortened.

I don't think I'd want 3.31s in the Wagonaire. The 3.73s should be fine as-is. In overdrive, that gives you an overall ratio of 2.61, which is as tall as that engine can handle, IMHO. I once ran 3.31s with overdrive in a '54 coupe, behind a 259, and it eventually killed the engine from lugging it.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[Chucks Stude]

Bob Johnstone's website has the rpm an engine will be turning with different rear end ratios. IIRC, a 3.31 at 70mph is turning like 1900rpms. A little low, and when you head up a hill could be a real problem.

[Jim B PEI]

Thanks! Makes sense on the 3.31 for the 63 and the lugging. Actually, the 259 with overdrive is pretty good, and it might be better if I get the right height of tires next time, something a bit taller and closer to the original bias size.

Jim B on PEI
63 259 o/d Wagonaire
57 Champion W4 o/d
57 Champion W4 automatic

[T-CAB]

I put a 3:54 from a 1956 in my 1964 259 V8 when I changed to from a Std to an overdrive. It has been great. Good mileage, and when you kick it down the pickup is more than adequate. Hill climbing has also been great. Never a problem on even the steepest hill. (Manitoba hills of coarse)!

T-cab


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[buddymander]

So, hey, T-CAB, do you think the 3.31 would be okay then with an overdrive, too? What size rear tire are you running? And what exactly is a 'manitoba'. JK.

[T-CAB]

P205 75 R15.

Manitoba (Winnipeg) is part of the flat prairie north of N. Dakota! 3.31 may be OK if you have no hills higher than the one's we have.

If live in a hilly area I would go for 3.73.

T-Cab.

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[gordr]

I'd say 3.54 is as LOW as you could safely go with a 259 and overdrive.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[Jim B PEI]

Gord, you are the go-to guy. I will leave the Wagonaire alone, and just get a bit taller tires next time. Will look around for a good 4.10 for the Champion.

Jim B on PEI
63 259 o/d Wagonaire
57 Champion W4 o/d
57 Champion W4 automatic