My '64 PV544 has differential problems. It was supposedly 'rebuilt' (Receipt for $900 in the paperwork) less than a year ago. The person who did the job apparently knew nothing at all about setting gear lash, because the rear end howls louder then the engine noise and air sounds!

I understand the differential is a Dana 27 model, 4.11:1 ratio. This is the same as a Chrysler 8-1/4" differential.

I need to step up from the 4.11 gears (auto transmission causes the car to top out at about 60 mph) and I thought I'd go to 3.54 or lower.

The question is this: I have been told that not all ring and pinion gears fit onto all carriers. Does anyone know which gear ratio sets will fit onto the carrier I have (4.11)?

I am considering buying a whole Chrysler rear axle and changing the differential and axles at the same time. (Axles are supposed to be the same length and bolt pattern.) I have heard that there are two axle types out there, which complicates the matter. One is supposed to be 19-spline, and the other is supposed to be 30-spline. Changing the axles as well as the differential would give me a matched set.

Thoughts? Comments?

Steve