'66 Dart Wagon - Swapping out rear end for a 8 1/4 - gear ratios????

steck said
Hi All,

I am new to the Forum and a newbie to working on rear ends. I want to convert to front disc and go up to LBP wheels. So I am going to swap out the rear end and looking at 8 1/4.

I have found one for $500 (I am in Southern CA) that was taken out of a '74 Duster. It has a 4.10 gear. Looking at the specs of my Dart, the manual says it has 2.93 gear in the 7 1/4.

My dart is a 225 slant six. How will this 4.10 gear ratio affect overall performance of the car? Mileage, etc.

Any suggestions for a newbie.

Steck
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Gas miles per gallon will drop considerably, cruising speed will be up at least 1200 rpms. Yes, you will will feel like you could pull stumps out starting out, but engine wear will increase considerably. I would stay in the low 3’s for ratio, unless you feel like racing it.