New life for the Duster

[CaptMarvel]

So, my 74 (former slant 6) Duster is in the shop getting the 318/727 from my 74 Valiant Brougham. I am wanting to do some minor upgrades before putting it all back together. My ideas are a shift kit for the 727, and a sure grip rear for the 81/4. I need advice, what gear ratio would you all recommend? I just want to do normal driving and very occasionally highway stuff. I dont want something tha'l snap my neck every time, but I'd like it to be able to chirp a little when I want to. So, my questions are, which tranny shift kit, what gears, (and where to get it new) and did the 318 Valiant Brougham come with the 81/4? or with a sure grip? (I havent really looked yet) any factory combo experts out there? I always appreciate the help, Mopar folks is the greatest....

 

[1966 dart wagon]

3.23's or maybe 3.55 but they might be a lil high for the highway driving. the lowest would be 2.73 that be great for gas milage and highway

 

[H22A4]

Unless you put the 727 in your '74 Brougham, I'd be stunned if it was a 727. I could have sworn I read somewhere that unless it was a 340 and up, that 904's came behind 318's, 225's etc. Exception could be cop cars but I've been wrong before.

My guess would be that your 8 1/4 rear end has 2.76 or 2.94 gears in it. I'm at the same fork as you in that I'm decding between 3.23 and 3.55 gears. And I'm leaning towards 3.55's since I won't be on the hwy that much.

 

[HemiPar]

I could be wrong but I think it would also depend on what size tires you use. I am no expert so I don't know what size to use with what gears. I will do all that math later in the summer.
Jeff