Rear Axle Question

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Campbell Tellman
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Ford Touring
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Rear Axle Question

Post by Campbell Tellman » Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:45 pm

Hey All,
I am rebuilding my rear axle and saw that Snyder's offers a 3:1 ring and pinion set. Do any of you have an opinion on the high speed gears?
Thank You,
Campbell Tellman
1916 Ford Touring
Beaufort, NC

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RajoRacer
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by RajoRacer » Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:47 pm

Good for a runabout w/good engine or a speedster - IMO ! Touring with an overhead, maybe.


Scott_Conger
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by Scott_Conger » Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:55 pm

Due to significant loss of transmission braking and significant loss of torque on hills, I would be a definite "NO" if I lived in a hilly area.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves™
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speedytinc
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by speedytinc » Thu Mar 26, 2026 1:59 pm

You need a strong motor to pull them, more than stock. If you are not planning to regularly run over 50, they are not needed.
Starting off with 3-1 only gearing is hard on the motor & low band.
I would not put them in a stock, non Rux rear end. Not friendly in a heavy/full touring or in hilly country even with a Rux.
Your braking is compromised. RM brakes are a good idea.
Given your limited description, don't do it. If you do, you will remove them & go back to stock in short order.


John kuehn
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by John kuehn » Thu Mar 26, 2026 2:13 pm

The stock 3.63 gear ration Ford used is generally considered an all around ratio for cruising and hill climbing. Yes you can run a little faster with higher ratio but you lose a little in hill climbing. For the average T driver the standard ratio is considered the best. MHO


RGould1910
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by RGould1910 » Thu Mar 26, 2026 4:52 pm

I tried 3 to 1 gearing with a Ruckstell and returned to standard gearing in short order for all the reasons stated above.


Tim Moore
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Re: Rear Axle Question

Post by Tim Moore » Thu Mar 26, 2026 6:25 pm

I built a Ruckstell with 3:1 and wish I would not have. It is a Fronty speedster so able to pull with lots of power but way too fast. I do have outside brakes but it still takes some distance to stop. I am not pleased with the results and would never do it again. In a stock car I can't see anything except loss of power, longer time to get up to an uncomfortable speed and distance to stop compromised.

Other than that though...

Tim Moore

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