IIRC, the 4:27 gears Ted mentioned are the Dana 44's. I don't believe those gear sets interchange with the car units. I know a 56 6cyl wagon used a Dana 44, 4:27, because I swapped one into a 'bird back in the 60's. Just needed lowering blocks to compensate for the shorter perches.

When you calculate you road speed rpm's, remember T-5's can have different ratios. Mine's a .8 o/d, most are taller than that, and I've also got the 2.9 something first gear. I'm running 3.7? gears because the posi carrier wouldn't go lower, and I was too cheap to replace it. Otherwise, I'd probably be running 3.9's or so with a 26" tire.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Rowen , 3.78 work really good with a T5 and there a lot easer to find than 4.10, or 4.27.

Thanks Ted. With the T5 going in this winter I am considering changing out rear gears. Now I know what to look for when/if I decide to do it. I won't take any more space in this thread. Again, Thanks!
Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Based on the ’55 Chassis Parts Catalog, the lowest factory installed rear gears were 4.27:1 which were found in the ’55 Sedan Delivery and Station Wagons when equipped with overdrive.  In the cars, the lowest factory installed gears were 4.11:1 and would have also been used in conjunction with an overdrive tranny.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Tires are rubbing on both sides on a body seam that can be managed by a big hammer,got plenty of room on the other side so 1/4 spacers should do the job along with the hammer.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

Carl I will let you know after I see what is going on with the present rear end,for some reason its not centered in the car.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

Jeff  I don't have a 56 3.22 rear end but I have a friend who probably has one,just let me know if your are serious about putting one in the 55 and I will give you his number  Carl

Don't want to hijack this thread but it's a similar question. Anyone know the lowest rear gear available in a 55 fairlane?
Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

I am going to look for one in case the 8 inch is going to be too narrow with the steel rims that I have on it now,would you know the code that would be on the data plate.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

3.22 came in 1956 Ford V8 (272/292/312) cars (not station wagons) with Ford-O-Matic. You must use the 56 axles with the 56 rear unless you change the spider gears in the differential to 49/55 spider gears. 3.22 was a one year only rear gear. 3.30 were used 49 thru 55 .