1952 Fordomatic rear-end ratio?

[David Conwill]

I'm corresponding with a seller about the '52 Ford passenger-car axle he has for sale. He says it's from an original automatic car - what was available with the auto? My books are all packed away, but I seem to recall 3.73 was standard with something higher as an option?

Thanks for any help.

 

[charles in east texas]

I think 3.73 is correct with automatic. 3.90 with standard and 4.11 with overdrive. Charles

 

[David Conwill]

Thanks!

 

[Richardtx]

The correct rear axle ratio for a Fordomatic Drive is 3:31. An optional ratio of 3:54 was available.

 

[David Conwill]

Well, that would be even better.

I wonder where I got 3.73?

Was there originally a tag with a code or some other way to tell without counting teeth or turns?

 

[Ol' Ron]

That's what mine is, too.

 

[Richardtx]

The 3:73 ratio was used for standard transmission cars.

 

[Merc Cruzer]

Just FYI: My 53' Merc-O-Matic is a 3:54...but it was the end of the run of flatheads so maybe that is all they had left.

 

[Buford]

My Fordomatic rear is 3:31 ...nice cruiser!

 

[51 MERC-CT]

Just FYI: My 53' Merc-O-Matic is a 3:54...but it was the end of the run of flatheads so maybe that is all they had left.

Not really because it was end of run but because the convertible and the wagon weighed more and both used the 3:54

 

[Merc Cruzer]

Good to know

 

[alanwoodieman]

just blew our rear axle in 52 with ford o matic. where do you find one to replace and what years fit?

 

[scicala]

David,

You never said if you're '52 is a V8 or 6 cyl. I think they may have used different ratio's.

Sal

 

[paul2748]

Any52-56 rear should fit. Always check length and spring pad width.

just blew our rear axle in 52 with ford o matic. where do you find one to replace and what years fit?

 

[alanwoodieman]

found a Glenn Mitchell interchange manual (1961) that says Ford 52 to 54 and Merc 52-54 if you change out backing plates. V8 ratio 3:31

 

[Drbrown]

I believe Richardtx correct. Once researched and read that 3.31 was popular due to better pick-up, and that not many 6 cyl were sold with the matics due to lower power. Yet there's a few 6 owners out-there that love their cars.

There are a few matic owners that have/are converting to standard which is a significant undertaking. Maybe if you patient you'll get lucky and come across one.

 

[Ol' Ron]

Have a 51 Merc o matic rear for sale, $150, new brakes and drums.

 

[donald1950]

i ave a 1953 with fordomatic and the tag on the differential says 3.54

 

[RalphG]

3.31 is what all my books say for the 52 automatic equipped (Mercury). Seems to me mine has the number stamped into the axle housing. Thought I had a picture of it but can't find it now.

 

[Flatout]

My 51 "Mercomatic" had a 3:07. That was in 1960. I can't say if it was factory installed or not. When I put a stick in it, it had to go. I had to downshift for every hill.