1951 commodore custom

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in Street Rods
I just traded for a 1951 hudson commodore with a 302 ford v8 c4 transmission.The car has a 4:56 gear.I was wondering what is the best way to get a higher highway gear.Should I replace the rearend with another ,and what will fit? Or should I just relace the 3rd member and what will fit??



Thanks I am a chevy guy and this is my first hudson.I love it and can not wait to cruise it to Goodguys

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    You don't say what rear end you are running, but I would think the easiest route would be a third member or gear change in your current rear end. Are you using a Ford 9"? These cars are notoriusly hard to fit rear ends to, so if you've got one that already fits, my suggestion would be to change the gears. Any pics?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you have the stock rear end, and the 302 is stock or close to it, I would look for a good 53/54 Dana 44. This would be a direct replacement and not cost a fortune. Not to mention that if you desire to change, many different ratios are available for the Dana 44.
    Bob
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Just look for a Late 52 thru 54 Hudson Dana 44 with an automatic and it should have a 3.08 ratio.
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    You have a lot of good suggestions posted..Hard to believe someone put a 4.56 behind an automatic.. It must feel like driving in Lo Range unless it has real tall 33" Rubber...However I agree with jsrail if the rear is in good shape along with the brakes, wheels, & tires, consider changing your present Ratio into the low 3's (3.08 to 3.42). If its a removable carrier you could pull out the center then take to a local Drive Train Shop to switch the Ring & Pinion. If its an Intregal Rear you would need to drive the car to the local Shop... Regardless of type of rear, The Shop probably would have it in & out same day if the Gears were in Stock....
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Another good option that would keep the peppiness of the car, and not cost much more than a gear change would be to find a AOD transmission and put that in. You would have a over drive then. I think it would bring the gearing right into the sweet spot.
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