Diff. for 42 Commodore

kamzack
kamzack Senior Contributor
edited December 2012 in HUDSON

Been helping with a 42 Comm. 254 with overdrive. However, car was cut and made into a pickup. We want to install a 3.73 gear or something close. Don't want 4.10. Will Stepdown housing swap in? Also need a pickup seat.
Thanks in advance,
Kim

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Mine had a 52 or 53 Hornet rear in it as I recall and some spacers on the hubs (about 1 ") to make up the width differance. I didnt put it in so dont know for sure if the spring pearch's had to be moved or not,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Find a 1951 Hornet with single range trans, It is a Hudson rear the same as 42 and ratio is 3:52 which is 3-7/12, just perfect for overdrive. Walt.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    edited December 2012
    If you've got hills, 3.52 (actually 3.58) is too high for use with OD. But you've got 2.88 now when in OD with the original 4.11. Is that so bad? In my Hornet I've compromised with 3.73, which works well. Requires installing a '52 or later Dana rear axle assembly. But that's for a Hornet. I don't think I'd run a splasher 8 with that gearing. Am running 4.11 with OD in my '47 C8, and it's fine at highway speeds.
  • lostmind
    lostmind Expert Adviser
    As stated,the stepdown axle is narrower.You can get the wheels modified so the offset is
    wider.Or buy modern wheels with the correct offset.3.73 ratio would be best setup.
    There was an article in an old WTN that showed how to install a 70's mopar rear axle.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have a friend that has a 1934 Hudson 8 with overdrive that I built a 1951 8 for and installed a Ford 3:50 rear and hills means nothing to the car out of over drive. Hudson 8 are torquer and will start off in high gear. Just like my 53 coupe, I installed a 2:73 rear ratio and still fly up any hills. If your engine is correct and not a tired one you will have no problems. Walt.
  • kamzack
    kamzack Senior Contributor
    I'd be interested in 3:73 or 3:58, if there's someone has one they'd sell.
    Kim
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    3.73 was not a Hudson-offered ratio, so you'd have to get a '52 or later axle (Dana 44 series) and have a shop install the 3.73 gears. There are other advantages to installing the Dana axle vs. the Hudson axle used from '48-'54.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hudson axles were used to first series 1952. Second series 52 to 1954 were Dana 44 axles. Dana is still in business and you can buy ratios they still have in stock. That is how I got my 2:73 ratio. Walt.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    That's a Hydramatic car, Ken?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ken, If your car is Auto-matic, you will never notice the difference with the 2:73 ratio. You can still spin tires. We have a hill on route 5, called Grape Vine, that is about 10 miles long, with water stations because in hot weather cars boil over. My car still flies over the top. Gas mileage was 18 to 20, now with this ratio I get 22, and cruise at 80 to 90. It makes a 400 RPM difference in speed. You will have to have that little gear box added to your speed cable. Walt.
  • 53jetman
    53jetman Senior Contributor
    Ken U-Tx - With proper adjustment of the control rods to the HydroMatic you can lengthen time between shifts, making it a more livable (or should I say lovable) driving experience.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    It took me on a drive across the country to get it perfect. Now shifts smooth. Walt.
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