Rear axle ratio change

Hanz is originally a fire truck from Germany, and with a 78hp Pinto engine coupled with a 4-speed gearbox, the rear ratio is the lowest available for the MK2 Transit at 5.83. For this reason, the engine will be doing around 3000 RPM at 30 Mph. Great for getting a few tons of water going, but not so much for a day out enjoying the scenery.

After referring to the Haynes workshop manual, I can reduce the rear diff ratio to 4.63 without replacing the axle. The only issue was driving to London where I had found someone willing to swap out the crown and pinion gears. For reasons just stated, I was not keen on driving the van 200 miles. In comes the fiesta to the help.

So off comes the axle. It didn't put up much of a fight but did snap a break line, which was probably for the best, and needed to cut through leaf spring U-bolts, as the nuts for completed rusted on. Replacements were £24, so no hard feelings.