Another one of those rear end gearing questions!

[mrtleavitt]

I just put a T19 transmission in my 1972 F100 with a 390 and I love it! It has a 4.02 first gear in it which is just a hair too low for my liking but I can still use it because it's not a super low granny gear. Fourth gear is still a 1:1 but I would like to gear it up just a bit. The truck is a sporty in-town truck that sees the freeway every once in a while. I never ever haul anything, I just zip around town with it. I don't want to go too high because then I can't get a good start off the line. I have 4.10 gears right now. I was debating 3.50 gears, or would 3.70 be a better way to go? I think 3.70 won't do enough to make a big difference. What do you all think?

[AlleyCat]

I've had 3.50's behind a 390 in a dent and think they work well.I'm probably going to go that route when I put the 390 in my 72.

[FORDification]

I'd have to agree with the 3.50s, if you're not planning on doing any heavy towing. It'll probably bump your mileage up at least a few points too.

[390Nut]

Another vote for a 3.50 ratio. With my T18 and 3.50 gears, I'm pulling roughly 2400 RPMs at 65, and it has plenty more to go. Mileage isn't the best, but mostly due to the engine I built, and how I drive it.

Great for git-up-n-go, and works for towing in a pinch, or occasional light duty towing if you don't want to mess with swapping gears.

[mrtleavitt]

Thanks guys, I think you've all talked me into 3.50s. Sounds like the way to go with those old 4 speeds.