4.11 differential in Fordor Deluxe

[HDowse]

After reading about the gear ratio stamping on the lower banjo web, I thought I'd better go look. I was interested to see the numbers 3-37 stamped there showing a 4.11 ratio. With the standard being 3.78 and 3.54 or 4.11 being options according to Page's book, I wonder what the sales rationale might have been for such a low ratio in a family car? Hilly territory, six kids, heavy salesmen's samples in the trunk and things like that come to mind. I thought the car seemed a little busy on the local highway coming home. Roughly 3000 rpm at 60 vs. about 2600 or less with a 3.54. I'll use the car this season with the 4.11 but will be looking for either a standard 3.78 or with luck the 3.54.

[JSeery]

Yep, Hilly territory, six kids, heavy salesmen's samples in the trunk.

[34fordy]

My 34 Fordor has the 4.11 and I really like it--I was amazed how the car would climb hills staying in high gear--Seems like the 221 flathead is not straining a bit--I have no reason to drive over 55 where I use the car--

[koates]

HDowse, What model & year Ford are you talking about here ? 1934 Fordor has a 4.11 diff ratio as standard. Other ratios were an option. Regards Kevin.

[HDowse]

It's a 40 Fordor Deluxe, bone stock, 43k miles, waking up after about 30 years of little or no use. My Model A's have a 3.78 and 50 is fast for that engine and chassis. I'll use the car as is and keep listening to comments on changing to a 3.78 maybe next winter. 3.25 seems like it might be too tall for the Fordor weight and the hills around here in NH.

[36coupe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have a 38 with the 3.78 and I would like to have 3.54. I don't think you will have problems with the hills and 3.54 rear. I find I'm geared low enough that I can turn in my road and not even gear down for the turn.

[jimTN]

4:11 works very well with a Columbia!

[Ol' Ron]

How about a Michael OD

[Terry,OH]

3-37 do you have a typo above? 4:11 is 9-37. If your looking for factual information regarding the 1940 Ford, then Pages is not the source. According to Fords Reference manual for salesmen, with a 85HP 3:78 is the standard ratio. I have seen MANY 4:11 which Ford listed as an option 60 or 85HP commercial cars in what appear as passenger vehicles. Ford does not list the 3:54 as an option in 1940 and their salesmen would not even mention the 3:54 to prospective sales. But Ford did sell the 3:54 gear set and it would fit the 112" Passenger vehicle. IMO: Ford could have put the 3:54 in the rear differential but I do not believe it would have come from the factory but rather from the dealer so a vehicle order was not lost. If the factory was to install the 3:54 then the order was for a fleet on special order. I have driven both the 4:11 and the 3:78 and find both to have slight advantages in certain road conditions.

[koates]

Mitchell overdrive works very well with 33-36 Fords, however all cars I have seen the rear floor where the rear seat riser is located have to be cut out somewhat and panel work done for clearance for the OD box. If you have a nice original car it is not so good to do that to it. Regards, Kevin.

[HDowse]

Yes, it is 9-37 for 4.11 ratio. All good comments above make me realize I'll just drive it and see what I think. Ol' Ron, Chester is an hour from here, up those hills between Keene and the river. I might have to try a ride up your way sometime once the car is ready.

[koates]

Your car has been fitted with that 4.11 diff from new and been Ok for previous owners. Enjoy it as it was built and be happy to drive it at no more than 50 to 60 MPH. Gives you more time to stop at those speeds as well. Regards, Kevin.

[spdster]

I checked the gear ratio stamping on my lower banjo web, I was interested to see the numbers 303 stamped never seen that before what's the ratio?