We still have the original rear axle in the car. I believe the ratio is 2.78:1 and an open differential but the info out there mentions that a 2.56:1 rear may be possible. If it is a 2.56:1 then that would explain the tall first gear for sure. I have had a couple of 66' Skylarks and they all had 2.78 rear so that is what I expected in this car. I have another rear axle out of a 64' Pontiac that we were going to swap in when we have time to prepare it and install. It is a 3.08 Posi. I would think that would help with the low speed parking lot manners. I thought it would be lower geared in first gear than it is. Thank heaven it has a 3.11 first gear ratio. If it was a close ratio Muncie with 2.20:1 first gear it would be a real pain in the ass. This Saginaw has a 2.20 2nd gear. I can't imagine the clutch work it would need to get around a tight parking lot in second gear on this car. It is a bummer this Saginaw shifts poorly, hopefully the other one I have works better. Both are the 2 ring inputs with 3.11 first gear. On the bright side the 350 Buick we installed with this 4 speed works great and absolutely rips. That engine will give my 455 a run for the money no problem. Greg
I have another 2 ring Saginaw 4 speed we are going to swap in as the one in the car the syncros are just too worn. Upshifting is not super bad bt is not great. Downshifting 3-2 and 2-1 is sucks. 1-2 upshift is a little ornery as well. Hopefully the other one works a bit better. I have ordered a rebuild kit for this Saginaw so I will go through it and freshen it up. Even if we don't plan to keep it long term it will not hurt to rebuild it. Greg
