Check with Ivan Zaremba in California. He had several sets of 3.5 ration gear made 2 years ago, he may still have some left. The 3.45 gears your friend had probably came from a 51 Hudson with the first style Hydromatic trans and they will not fit the 34 rear axle.

Tom

Hi
Thanks do you have a email address for Ivan Zaremba
Do you know what a standard ratio for a 1934 sedan was ?
are all the early diffs the same type and is there many used diffs around in the US
regards Ray

The standard ratio for 34 and up was 4.1 to 1. The ring gear from 34 to 39 was a 6 bolt pattern, after that it went to 8 bolts

Are you sure that your rear axle is the original 1934 axle? Is it possible that a previous owner exchanged the original axle for one from a newer Hudson (or even one from another make of car)?

Does the crown wheel that was sent to you, have a part number stamped into it? It would be out around the edges, on the side. This would instantly identify the years it would fit, so long as you have access to a Hudson parts manual (those are available at the "Library" on this website).

One other possibility for attaining high speed in an older Hudson, is to transplant the rear axle, having a more advantageous ratio, from a more modern car. Several Hudson enthusiasts have done this. You will have to modify the new axle to fit your car, but only a little welding will be necessary. And, should you ever wish to restore your car to its original condition, you need only unbolt the "new" axle and replace it with the 1934 version.

Hi thanks I will check it out and I think just drive the car it does 50 mph ok
But can not help but think why they were geared down so low the car has reasonably good brakes and drives really well and could have easily be geared higher it is like driving a 4 speed car in third gear the roads in Australia were pretty bad back then but I guess they must have been also pretty bad in the USA to use such gearing or maybe people were in not so much of a hurry
Thanks again
regards Ray

First of all, 30-40 per cent of the roads in the United States were still dirt or gravel back in 1934. Even the best paved roads mostly had speed limits of 45 miles per hour. The interstate system in the USA wasn't started until the late 1950s. So there was no need for higher speed cars back then. In the less expensive cars, smaller engines were used. So a low rear end ratio helped give the feeling of power from a stop sign or stop light. This is something the car salesmen would push. " Feel the acceleration push you back in the seat? What power!"

I guess you are dead right when you drive a car you get a idea of what speed is comfortable for the engine and in mine 45 MPH is id it feels quiet smooth and feels like it would run for ever at that speed and as I probably only do maybe 3000 mile a year then it will all be ok I do have to say diving it seem to me to be like wearing a really comfortable half worn out pair of shoes you know it is old but so nice and comfortable if all part were available I would drive it every day
thanks for the info
regards Ray