3rd Member Build

[Shane Kelley]

So I decided to drop from 3.91 to 3.55 in my Cuda. The 3.91 was the unit that came in the car when I got it. It made a lot of noise. I set it up when I restored everything but it must have been worn out of specs. Damn thing was still making a bunch of noise. So after thinking on it I decided to change ratios since I'm doing a complete build. Even though I loved to way it ran with them. But I live way out in the sticks and driving to town was just to annoying running those big rpm's constant. Not to mention eating a lot of fuel. RPM dropped from 4000 rpm @ 70 mph down to 3500 rpm @ 70 mph. Lost 1/2 second from 0-60 but 1/4 time remained pretty much the same. No noticeable seat of the pants power lose. New gears are dead silent.

I dissembled a 489 case, cleaned, bead blasted and power coated it cast iron. I went with the cast iron on this one instead of the red oxide for Alan.   

Replaced everything. All the parts came from Dr. Diff.
Forged yoke-Billet crush sleeve eliminator-3.55 large spline ring and pinion-new sure grip unit- All new Timken bearings and races. Total cost including shipping. $850.00

[Cuda Cody]

Nice job man, that looks great!     The 3.55 gears are one of the best. 

[Shane Kelley]

Nice job man, that looks great!     The 3.55 gears are one of the best.

Thanks!
They are the best overall gear for sure. But I like to play hard as you know.     With the 3.91 it keeps the rpm's closer between shifts and keeps the engine at peak power. You have a little more rpm drop with the 3.55. Not a huge deal.  But as you know it's the little thing's that make one car stronger than another.

[303 Mopar]

That's beautiful!  I love 3.55's, even in my Cuda with a Passon 4 spd OD they are a really nice gear.

[oldmoparbuff]

I like the way the powder coat turned out.
Did you coat and bake or send out?

[Shane Kelley]

I like the way the powder coat turned out.
Did you coat and bake or send out?

I do all my own powder coating. I'm limited to the size of the oven. This 3rd member is about as big as I can do. It's awesome for brackets and pulleys. I use the Eastwood kit and powders. Works great! The Hot Rod Textured black is another favorite I use a lot. I used cast iron on this. As you can see it's almost a perfect match to blasted cast iron. Very durable also.

[LinceCuda]

Looks great nice job. I was up in the air on what I was going with gear wise 3.91 or 3.55. from what you say and some of the other replies seems like the 3.55 would be best.

[cudabob496]

will you be adjusting pinion angle, once the rear is in?

[Shane Kelley]

will you be adjusting pinion angle, once the rear is in?

I already did that before this 3rd member build.  I believe I used 15 degree shims.

[cudabob496]

will you be adjusting pinion angle, once the rear is in?

I already did that before this 3rd member build.  I believe I used 15 degree shims.

15 seems like a lot
the Mopar kit only comes in 1, 2, and 3 degree

[Shane Kelley]

will you be adjusting pinion angle, once the rear is in?

I already did that before this 3rd member build.  I believe I used 15 degree shims.

15 seems like a lot
the Mopar kit only comes in 1, 2, and 3 degree

They are not Mopar.  I will have to check to be sure how many degrees I used. I did this 5 years ago before I took the car apart. I had replaced the rear springs and it really jacked the pinion angle. It was aiming up instead of down. Imagine how high it was going when I was standing on the throttle. So I used some bigger shims. There is no set size for applications. The angle needs to be checked and set accordingly. I will look through my notes and get back with you.

[Shane Kelley]

The ideal pinion angle is 3-4 degrees nose down. I checked mine and I have a 7 degree shim in the car and the pinion is setting at 2 degrees down. So I need a little more. I'm going to be changing leaf springs before long and will address pinion angle once I make the change. I am also running lowered front spring mounts which also messses with the pinion angle.

[nsmall]

@LinceCuda

Do you drive on any highways or freeways?  I chose 355 (had 276) and really like them.  I drive in town mostly, but do get on the freeway and they are a little much for the freeway, but its not miserable by any means.  I like to have fun and floor it so 355 seem to be the best compromise and I am glad I didn't chose any lower. 

Thanks for sharing Shane.  You are really talented. 

[LinceCuda]

@LinceCuda

Do you drive on any highways or freeways?  I chose 355 (had 276) and really like them.  I drive in town mostly, but do get on the freeway and they are a little much for the freeway, but its not miserable by any means.  I like to have fun and floor it so 355 seem to be the best compromise and I am glad I didn't chose any lower. 

Thanks for sharing Shane.  You are really talented.

Most of my time will also be in town with a little freeway here and there. From what you say and what others here have posted in this thread I've made my decision I'll go with the 3.55. I believed that ratio matched with my 4-speed should make for some fun cruising. Thanks for the input.

[Mickm]

Great job Shane!

Cheers!
Mickm