highway driveability with a 223 1bbl

[Anonymous]

im currently restoring a 1959 ford f-250 with a 223 and a towing 4speed. the truck cant get past 60 mph. the truck has 4.56 gears that will be swaped out for 3.00s. the engine will also be replaced with a new 223. do yall think it would be better suited for the highway then? would 3:00s be to high of a gear?

 

[Fred]

I think 3.00 is too tall. I personally would install a 3.54 or 3.73 rear axle, 30 inch tall tires, and plan on not driving over 60 mph.

 

[Luckyman]

You might be able to get away with 3.25 gears if you have the compound low (granny/creeper gear) 4 spd.

 

[Daves55Courier]

I'm surprised you can get 60mph out of a 223 with 4.56:1 ratio. I am running a 223/Ford-o-matic with 3.25 gears and I can only go about 70 wide open. The best highway cruiser I ever had was a 292V8 with stock 2.91:1 ratio.
The lower your ratio, the faster you will be able to go with the same engine RPMs. Only thing to consider is, will you be able to take off from a dead stop with the lower ratio without substantially reducing fuel mileage. The setup I have does okay at 18mpg avg, but I wouldnt mind being able to go faster than 70 on the hwy for passing.

 

[Anonymous]

if you leave it in first gear for to long, the truck will jerk back. im pretty sure its the granny 4speed.

 

[Anonymous]

also i plan on putting a good flowing 2.25 exhaust with good muffler on it.

 

[addo]

crm 318, have you tried one of the online rear end ratio calculators? That will save a lot of guesswork.

Google for "bowling and grippo" - they've a nice one on their website.

Regards, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks man, ill give it a shot!!!