WPVT Posted July 26, 2020 Share Posted July 26, 2020 I am a new owner of a 1954 dodge half ton, 218 with a three speed. Low miles, nice condition. First gear feels like second gear to me in that I have to rev way up before engaging the clutch. Starting on a hill is a challenge. Maybe the engine is out of tune enough to lack any low end torque. I've heard these old flatheads have great low end torque. Mine, a 218, has zero torque until higher revs. Or could it be a clutch problem preventing me from "feathering" the clutch ? I've had old trucks, but never a 3 speed, so I'm not sure what to expect. Any thoughts ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted July 26, 2020 Share Posted July 26, 2020 Maybe a previous owner swapped out the original 4.1 ratioed rear end for a 3.5 or 3.0. I did this to my 52 1/2 ton. It now has a 3.0 rear and a 251 Chrysler L6. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPVT Posted July 26, 2020 Author Share Posted July 26, 2020 (edited) Thanks Reg. That was my first thought, as the previous owner said the rear end was replaced at some point. I don't, however, feel there's much extra at the top end. Running at 40-45 mph seems like plenty. I may jack up the rear wheels and compute the ratio just so I'll be sure what I have. Edited July 26, 2020 by WPVT (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPVT Posted November 18, 2020 Author Share Posted November 18, 2020 This is a followup to my original post. The truck's engine was way, way, out of tune. A carburetor rebuild, vacuum advance repair, ignition timing redo, new plugs, points, wires, etc., and the truck runs great. The engine has very good low end torque. I let out the clutch now at a 600 RPM idle, and away we go. What a difference. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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