2.73 rear end

[kipps]

The very low ratios were usually paired with the straight six engines. Those engines are torque monsters, particularly right off idle, but they don't rev high. I would look into a built 292, with an emphasis on bottom-end torque instead of HP. It should feel and drive similar to a diesel when all's said and done. A manual transmission will make it all the better.

I'm driving a bone-stock 1981 2wd f150 with a 300-i6, four-speed manual, 2.73 gears, and 28" tires. It's a hoot just tooling around local country roads. The bottom-end torque is unbelievable, and fuel economy is pushing 20 mpg on longer trips.