If you have to double clutch going into 2nd or 3rd, you need new synchros. As far as 1st gear goes, you should rarely, if ever, need to shift to 1st while moving. Just wait to shift into 1st until you come to a complete stop.
3.54 vs 3.25
- Thread starter flathead 39
- Start date
If you have to double clutch going into 2nd or 3rd, you need new synchros. As far as 1st gear goes, you should rarely, if ever, need to shift to 1st while moving. Just wait to shift into 1st until you come to a complete stop.
38 coupe
Well-known member
A friend of mine put 3.25 gears in his 47 sedan years ago. It ran fine on the road, but wasn't much fun around town. The problem was 30 to 35 mph is where most in town drivers seemed to drive. 30 mph was as slow as third gear wanted, and 35 was getting wound out in second. Also, 30 in third was discharging the battery with the headlights on.
drolston
Well-known member
I am probably not the only one who likes to shift to low gear when turning into the driveway. I have pretty well mastered the double clutch down to first gear without crashing the gears. By "mastered", I mean I get it right about half the time.
flathead 39
Member
I double clutch when I downshift in any gear. Still working on 2nd to 1st.. It's the heel & toe (gas & brake) that take practice. Was easy when I was kid..
Fred A
Well-known member
Testimonials like we have been getting here, although useful miss some of the finer points that effect the choice of final gear. I don't have to go beyond the guys in the clubs who may be large believers in their gear own choices but may fail to consider the rest of the engineering picture. Strong in the elements show up where trans ratio (popular Zephyr sets?), over cammed engines, light flywheels, vehicle weight, and even tire size. Judgements like "I love it!" or " 3.54 is great". How about 4.11 with overdrive? I might like that one. Finer points? Don't need no stinkkin finer points! We hear 4.11 is for pulling stumps. 3.54 is cruising gear. Blah, Blah, Blah! Like Fauchi says, "Go with the science" Good Luck: Fred A
Old Redneck
Well-known member
My 32 Ford I know the gears in the rear are not 411 maybe 378. It drives nice and at 45 MPH. My 35 Pickup has 354 and runs nice at 50 no juice brakes. My 40 Ford has 354 and I wish it had 325 to run quiet as my Buddy 40 2 door sdn. He had 411 in it and I talk him in putting 325 in it. He came in to take me a ride in it with the 325. He so happy with them and in his 40 stock engine they work super nice. Now maybe in my 35 they might be to tall. You got to ride in a car 40 or newer with 325 to know how they preform. I wish I had 325 in my 40 Ford Conv. Now Model A's yes 354. My 39 Conv. has a Columbia with 378 and My buddy'40 is a lot nicer on the open road. Now we live in steep hills and Mountains his 40 no problem going up them. He stays in high gear unless he has to slow up for traffic. Until you try them you have no idea about 325 gears preform.