I have a 8" rear in my '65 Ranchero. I have no idea what gear ratio is in it, but they are very short. Most likely, less than 3.00. I want to install new gears and some kind of posi/traclok system so I can realize the power the motor is starting to make. The motor is a slightly built 289 w/ Edel 600, RPM Air Gap intake, tri-y headers, 2 1/4 dual exhaust, a mild cam, stock heads and C4 auto with a mild shift kit. I plan on installing aluminum heads, a little larger cam, and a 2000-2300 stall converter in the next year or so. I use the car as a weekend show & cruizing car. It never sees the track, but an occasional stoplight sprint or race isn't out of the question. What would be a good gear ratio the would give me a good cruizing rpm on the highway (about 60-65mph), but still give me some good acceleration? Would 3.55's be what I'm looking for, or even taller?

How about finding a complete 8" third member in the junk yard? I know that little, if any, vehicles were offered with traclok in an 8". However, if they did, what models and years should I be looking for? What type vehicles should I look for that may have an 8" with the gear ratio being recommended?

Thanks