Deciding which gear ration to go with?

[testdepth]

1946 Studebaker M5 pickup hot rod.
SBC 383
TCI T350 Streetfighter
4 wheel disc
Narrowed Ford 9 inch
275/60/15 rear tires
Mostly used to have fun around town and not take any long trips in.

I am buying a new 3rd member center section and have choice of gears and type of differential.

What do you suggest?

 

[timbgtm]

I'd go with 411, or maybe 456 depending if you're going to the track. Not sure on the tire height?

 

[testdepth]

I'd go with 411, or maybe 456 depending if you're going to the track. Not sure on the tire height?

Tires are 28 inches tall and not going to any track.

 

[timbgtm]

Tires are 28 inches tall and not going to any track.

3 speed auto? 373 or 411.

 

[timbgtm]

3 speed auto? 373 or 411.

I see the tci 350 now. 373 would be a good cruising gear with the 28 inch tire, or 411 either one if no road trips, just running around town.

 

[testdepth]

I see the tci 350 now. 373 would be a good cruising gear with the 28 inch tire, or 411 either one if no road trips, just running around town.

They also have 3.89 and 3.91 but not sure how much of a difference that would make.

I am looking to use an Eaton Truetrac diferential

 

[Cornholio]

456

 

[testdepth]

why 4.56 versus anything else?

 

[BIKER13]

3.91 is a good compromise.

 

[mcdougmd]

I used to run a lot of Fords with similar size tires in every rear gear from 2:72 to 5:13. For cruising and performance the best all around is 3:91 for performance and gas mileage. Next up would be the 4:11. If you are running street tires even 4:11 is going to break the tires loose in a heartbeat. 3:91 has my vote. For all out 1/4 mile go with 4:88 for 1/8th mile 5:13 both with slicks. Opinions may vary. Happy Hot Rodding!!!!!! Remember there is no substitute for cubic dollars.