[Jim Brierley]

I have a mechanically-shifted Columbia in my wide-bed. I put it in 45 years ago, coupled to a 4.11 rear ratio. I still like it very well. I have a Ryan 23% in my tudor, with a 3.78 rear gear, I modified the linkage to lessen the amount of "throw" on the shifter. I like it too but it is a bit noisy below 45 mph. I recently obtained a Vicky with a 5-speed T-5 trans, full syncro. This T-5 has the 4:1 low gear and 26% 5th gear, 4.10 rear. I've not driven the Vicky much yet but I think it will be the best of the bunch. Different ratios are available for the T-5 and I wish it had a higher 1st gear. I have ridden in one A with the Ford 4-speed and it shifted really nice but the ratios stunk! My tudor came with a B-W O.D. which I didn't like at all because of the time it took to shift into O.D. I too live in So-Cal, so use the freeways a lot. I cruise around 65 mph, have a very strong engine and hydraulic brakes. Life is great!