rear end

[fsob]

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the ford scene. I just purchased a 64 econoline (sold an old VW beetle to purchace the van)...while driving it home on the freeway, the top speed was about 50-60 mph....and the motor was screeming. Short of swapping the transmission, I was wondering if there is a rear end/tire combo that would give me 10-15 mph more on my top speed and not work the motor soo hard? The transmission is a 4 speed with a column shifter.
The rear axle tag is:
WCC-E1
4.00 4AC 753 (or something to that effect).
The tires are:
P185/70R 13

Thanks,
Frank

[JerseyJim]

Frank,

You probably have an answer already. I have the exact same drive train that you are running. The transmission actually doesn't have anything to do with this since all of the trannys that Ford used back then have a final ratio of 1 to 1. The rear is your best way to go. Changing out the gears on the small rear is not really an option I am told. The only thing you could do is scavenge for another small rear with a friendlier ratio or change it out and install a 9" rear from an econoline.
I am changing out the whole drive train. I'm putting in a 200 with a C4 and a 9" rear. The used rear that I found has 3.00 gears. I am going to try it as is and see how it feels. I think a 3.50 would be the best choice.
If you go with the 9", be sure to get the drive shaft and mounting pads for the rear axle.

JerseyJim
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63 Spring Special

[somedumbredneck]

any news on the rear end gear change,, im looking for a new rear end and would like to know what is the easyest rear to go with.