Mitchell overdrive in 34 Fordor

[34 FORDOR]

Any one fitted a mitchell overdrive into a 34 sedan . What rear end ratio / percentage overdrive combo works best ? also do you need to cut the floor and seat riser for clearance ? any other problems ? Thank you

[oldford2]

Call Mitchell Mfg. and ask to speak to Steve Mitchell. He can tell you what year required modification to the floor pan. Also tell him your rear end ratio and he will recommend the right unit.

530-458-4500

[Ken Arms]

I talked with Sue Mitchell and asked that same question, she was not certain but she gave me dimensions, as near as I can tell you would need to modify the floor, it would clear but a good bump with passengers would most likley be a problem. I opted to just change diff to 354, much less exspensive but I have not yet tested it to know if the 354s will be what Im looking for. Ken

[34 FORDOR]

Thanks for the reply old ford2 / ken. I have repro 3.54 gears but cannot get a good gear contact pattern, spent many hours shimming and adjusting. Set it best I could, quiet in drive but there is a noise in over run. Going from 4.11 to 3.54 made a big differance , but at 55-60mph it sounds like it could do with another gear. So considering pulling the #*+* repro gears and reinstalling original Ford 4.11 and fitting Mitchell 36% OD.

[BrianCT]

I am quite sure that you will have to modify the floor pan.

[Lawrie]

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I had the same problem with the repo 3.54 gears in my 34,I spent hours setting up the contact,still its blo--y noisy,( my work was overhauling rear ends for construction machines,so I know how to set them up).
In my 33 I used a Ford gearset from a 46,(3.78), this set up like a charm AND is quit or quieter than my new ford, go with the ford gearset .
I dont know what speed you travel at where you are but the 33 with the stock 221 engine and the 3.7 gears will run at 60mph all day and burn up hills like nothing.
Lawrie

[trevo]

On my 34 I used a 3.54 gearset from Macs and had it modified to suit by a local diff man I redid the driveshaft to suit its quiet as a mouse love the change from 4.11 cruise at 60 65 mph cheaper way to go than Mitchell maybe but.

[Ken Arms]

Oh boy, I didnt need to hear about noise with 354s! I hope mine will be quiet, I had them installed by a local guy that knows how to set them up, he had to grind a bit of material off the inside of the banjo for clearance but other than that he said all went in well. i also had the bearings and races,seals replaced with NOS and Timken. Ken

[trevo]

Yes they are not just fit and forget there is alot of setting up to do I had to do the same and machined an eight of an inch off the crown wheel my man has been doing this stuff for years mine is as quiet as im sure you will be fine

[Ken Arms]

Trevo, so you dont feel like you need another gear with 354? is your ride a 34 with stock tranny? My 34 has a 59ab, otherwise stock. Should be on the road next summer if all goes well and I cant wait! Ken

[trevo]

Ken I have stock 34 trans and 34 221 3.54 is much better for keeping up with other vehicles our speed limit is 100 KPH close enough to 6omph my wife followed me in my workhorse Ford Courier Ute and I kept well ahead at 110K. Next summer is not far away go for it we will await the end results and your take on 3.54 rear gears!

[Ken Arms]

Ahh you NZ guys are good people! I have a kit ordered from Ted for my brakes! I would love to visit if I had the $$, I saw a tv show about NZ, it looks breath taking!

[trevo]

You are welcome mate always happy to have guests from the US or anywhere really most Kiwis would be happy to put Ford Barners up for a few days we intend a trip your way in 18months time promised the wife an o/seas trip before we retire,

[34 FORDOR]

Thanks for all the replies, you can always rely on a Barner. Had a good look under the 34 it appears the Mitchell will require the floor to be cut and reshaped for clearance, which I don't want to do . The 3.54 gears will have to stay. I fitted a 3.54 gear set in my model A ,real easy ,just like Ford gears and runs quiet. The 34 3.54 gears were supplied already machined for a 34 rear end, its the mesh pattern and noise thats the problem, looks like they will have to come out again and maybe replaced with another set Ken I have Teds brake floaters in my car, they work real well . You USA guys are good also, meet many on a recent trip to hotrod shows, swapmeets , various parts vendors and Bonneville .

[Ken Arms]

Well if you kiwis ever find yourselves in New England Look me up! Ain't no 5star motel here but the beer is free!