Rear-End Choice ?

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by jim65, Jan 3, 2004.

  1. jim65

    jim65 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2003
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Athens 35611
    Which gear ratio,3.07 or 3.73 would be best for a daily driver with some performance.I am planning on putting a late model 305 V-8 and a
    TH-350 transmission in my 65'swb.I have 2 complete rear-ends to choose
    from.I know a 305 engine isn't a ideal motor,but it was free,low mileage and I heard it run before it was removed from a wreck.


    Any input would be helpful,



    jim65
     
  2. cowboy

    cowboy Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2001
    Messages:
    382
    try and find an axle with 3.55:1 gears in it. Or go with the 3.73:1.
    cowboy
     
  3. SPORTTRUCK70

    SPORTTRUCK70 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2004
    Messages:
    9
    Location:
    Concord United States
    I would go with the 3.07's,I'm running 3.08's in my truck with a 700R4 transmission on 27" tall tires and I can still do a tire smokin' burn-out. The automatic transmission is 'high gear' friendly. The gas milage will be better, and it will keep the RPM's down on the freeway.
     
  4. Nic_Rebel450CA

    Nic_Rebel450CA Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2003
    Messages:
    38
    Location:
    Sacramento U.S.A.
    3.05 is a little high, and 3.73 is a little low. (or maybe it's the other way around, hell, I can never remember which term is right, but you get the point).

    I would only consider the 3.05 if this truck is not going to be used for hauling anything (including hauling a$$) and you are keeping the TH350 or using any other 3spd.

    I would be more likely to use the 3.73 and drop in a late model 700R4 transmission.

    My truck is a 65 longbed and I have a 350/TH400/4.10 combo (for now) and that is good up to about 4200 RPM at 70MPH and 11-12.5MPG avg. And it sure can haul anything I want, including a$$ (just ask the Maranello that didnt take me seriously).

    I plan to put in a big block and a 700R4 and about 3.36 gears.
     
  5. Nic_Rebel450CA

    Nic_Rebel450CA Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2003
    Messages:
    38
    Location:
    Sacramento U.S.A.
    Er, my mistake, it was a Modena.
    >(just ask the Maranello that didnt take me seriously).

    Why doesnt the Edit option on this site work?
     
  6. tech1

    tech1 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2002
    Messages:
    333
    The 3.73 will sing alittle on the highway but if you want performance out of a 305 that would be the way to go. They need all the help they can get. Gas milage go with the 3.07's
     
  7. oldtin

    oldtin Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2004
    Messages:
    9
    Location:
    thompson canada
    in regaruds to your 3.05 and 3.37. the 3.37 will make you fly down the highway with good gas miage, but yor perfromance will be down. you would have to put a small tires in the back to get some of your performance back. or you can go with the 3.05 put a little bigger tires on the back and you got your performance back. gas milage, well you have to play with your engine,. just a sugestion mabey swap out your cam to a tourker cam maybe a little port and polish to your heads after market intake and carb,i prefure edelbrock my self no fus no mus no vacume lines to play with. good set of wires and plugs k/n filter with all that your 305 should give yould lots of performance and good gas milage, the better your engine breaths the better it will preform. one other thing check your bottom end with the extra ponies and if you get in the throtle hard you could drop a connecting rod good luck and have fun. oldtin.
     
  8. smoov330

    smoov330 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2003
    Messages:
    61
    Location:
    Peotone USA
    I would go with the 3:73. I had one with a 4 speed trans, 15 tires. At 2600 rpm it was running 62 mph.Got about 15mpg with a 350hp small block
     

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