On the road again....finally with good brakes

[oldodge41]

Well my saga began about twelve months ago with a leaky rear wheel cylinder and has been one brake issue after another ever since. I have replaced the entire rear brake system by installing an 8.8 Ford rear with drum brakes. Two sleeved (stainless steel) wheel cylinders were installed on the front this week, along with a brake lining adjustment. A sleeved (brass) master cylinder was installed along with one new piece of brake line. Hopefully that is the last of the, limp home with a brake problem, I have been experiencing all too frequently.

[1940plymouth]

Good news, I am thinking seriously of changing rearends in the "Wayback Machine"

[oldodge41]

Bob, I had a broken brake drum and needed two new wheel cylinders so the budget sort of dictated my swap. I had wanted different gearing anyway.

[Don Coatney]

What differential ratio did you go with? Did you have to re-weld the spring perches? What did you do for a drive shaft? How is your rear tire to fender clearance?

[oldodge41]

What differential ratio did you go with? 3.27 Did you have to re-weld the spring perches? Yes What did you do for a drive shaft? Made an adapter How is your rear tire to fender clearance? New rear is 3" narrower. Plan to run a reversed wheel in the future but for now have 1.5" wheel spacers on each side

Not for everyone, I suppose, but works well for me.

[ptwothree]

I think you are about to find out why a 3.27 ratio wasn't offered from the factory.....the first time you try to start off on a hill.....Btw, what's the rear out of??

[oldodge41]

I have done steep hill starts with no problem. I was concerned about that too. Keep in mind I have fluid drive and these motors have a lot of low end torque. The rear is from a '93 Explorer. Without the fluid drive I would probably go at least 3.55 or maybe 3.73 to protect the clutch from slipping on those steep hill starts. I wanted low rpm cruising so I went 3.27 and I got it.

[ptwothree]

Ok...the FD splains that. How much longer does it take to get to cruising speed with the 3.27 as opposed to stock gearing?

[oldodge41]

I would say it's about the same. Maybe better. The driveability of the car is much better now, in my opinion. Much more relaxed cruising at speed and less busy getting there. It is nice not having to up-shift twice in about 50 yards.

[55 Fargo]

My 47 Chrysler does not have fluid drive, as it was removed many moons ago.

I have of course a flat head 6, but with a dry clutch and 3spd trans, 3.73 rear end, the engine, clutch and trans are for a Canadian built 25 inch engine Dodge D40.

I do find I can cruise up to 30 mph before I shift to 3rd, no problem, but when driving easy shift from 2nd to 3rd at about 25 mph or so.

I have a fuid drive coupler, bell housing, and a M5 semi auto trans. My car being a Royal, came with the basic 3 spd trans and fluid coupler.

I very tempted to go back to this at some future point.

I bet you find it convenient to cruise around in 2nd or 3rd, in town, and no use of a clutch, that could be nice in heavy city/town traffic.

The fact your diff is a 3.27, explains how the fluid drive can get the rpm wound up, for take foffs from a dead stop, or going uphill......

[oldodge41]

I think a four speed would be nice. My third gear is about right and my low gear is about right when shifting to second, but the gap between second and third seems a little more drastic. Not a problem but if I lug it into third I can hear the fluid drive allowing a few revs before it couples up completely. Without the fluid drive I think it would require a little more speed in second before shifting, not a problem but not as "relaxed" as it is now.