by aln101tf » Sat Apr 20, 2019 6:13 pm
Update on the custom ridiculous drive ratio problem.
I have had it remapped to 170 ish, which did help a lot in making it driveable, but didn't really solve the stupid drive ratio problem.
Even cruising on the motorway in the mid sixties, it would barely stand 6th gear.
Got a helpful gearbox specialist to look into any alternative final drive ratios.
There are two layshafts incorporating two final drive pinions engaging with the ring gear on the diff.
Approx price for the three pieces from ford is about £400. Hmmm, quite a lot.
Instead, he found a box from the heaviest custom (might have been RAC), and transferred the necessary bits.
The donor box also had a 4-pinion diff, so used the whole donor diff, rather than swopping just the ring gears.
End result..... Much better all round. About 12% lower gearing.
Doesn't sound a lot, but its enough to make things work now that didn't before.
6th gear now usable (the opinion of idiots that sit at 80 on the motorway doesn't count).
Better overlap through the gears for overtaking.
Now possible to roll though slow junctions in 2nd without stalling. In general, the engine objects far less to letting the revs get a bit low.
I can now reverse my trailer up a slope without burning the clutch.
Fuel consumption...slightly better.
I can thoroughly recommend this mod. Cost £650. Anyone buying a new van should enquire of the possibility of the lower final drive.
rgds, Alan
Mk6 125/330 swb lr rwd 2.4L remapped.
Mk7 115/330 swb lr rwd 2.4L remapped.
Custom Tourneo swb 125ps 2.2L remapped and gearing lowered to T340.