rahowell154

I appreciate everyone's input. It has provided me options to think about. Booger, the link you provided was very helpful if I decide to go through with the explorer rear end option. Prior to making this post I attempted to search this topic on the site using various terms and the search results also had a ton of unrelated topics and I really couldn't find the answers I was looking for. I apologize for taking part of beating a dead horse if that it is what it seemed. Thanks for all the replies! I'm new to the site and the hobby, just trying learn as much as I can. The plymouth I inherited was purchased by my father a few years prior to him passing away. It is the same year, make, model, color scheme, etc. that he owned when he married my mother. My son and I are making this a project together. l'm looking forward to making memories with a vehicle holds such sentimental value.

I inherited a 1954 Plymouth 2dr hardtop several years ago and now have the time and money to start making some modifications. I plan on having the flathead rebuilt and have purchased an Edgy head. I plan on installing a dual intake manifold, converting to 12 volt, and rebuilding the stock transmission. I keep reading that in order to achieve more comfortable highway speed a rear end swap or an overdrive transmission would be beneficial. From what I can see, a rear end swap would be more cost effective. I'm looking at possibly trying to find a Ford Explorer rear end but need advice on the best gear ratio. It looks like these rear ends have several options; 3.27, 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10. What ratio would give me what I'm looking for and what year(s) of Explorer should I be trying to find. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.