Gary,
Stock TD rear gearing was 5.125 running on Dunlop 5.50x15 tires.
Today's tires that properly fit the TD's narrow wheels, both radial and
bias-ply, have smaller circumference. That makes the revs per mile
increase, and they were quite high to begin with.
Using MGA gears in the rear axle is a way to reduce the revs/mile and
to increase cruising speed. Most who have made this change use 4.3
gears; some 4.1, some 4.55. There are a few who have actually swapped
the entire axle for MGA axle, though that is not something that I would
advocate, since there are external modifications that are necessary.
An alternative to gear swapping is fitting a five-speed gearbox. There
are two types available that I know of, a Datsun 210 box (getting hard to
find these days) and a Ford Sierra box. Those who have them seem to like
them; I have not heard of anyone returning to the TD gearbox.
A booklet by Carl Cedarstrand, available from Moss, discusses gear
exchanges comprehensively. It's interesting and informative.
Bob
On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 18:35:03 -0400 "Gary Breeback" <vainent@nfdc.net>
writes:
> hi all, a friend of mine has a 51' TD that is stock and he wants to
> be able
> to drive it on the highway without turning the high revs that the
> stock rear
> gear ratio causes. what would be his best alternative to raise the
> rear gear
> ratio ? someone suggested he switch to a MGA rear end , is this the
> way to go
> ? thanks
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