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Technical What is this? 2-Speed Rear End?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Blues4U, Apr 29, 2017.

  1. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    On a 46 Ford Super Deluxe. 59106675-770-0@2X.jpg
     
  2. 42merc
    Joined: Dec 19, 2010
    Posts: 894

    42merc
    Member

    It's a Columbia 2 speed rear axle conversion.
    A Ford dealer installed option from 1934 to 1948.
     
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  3. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Columbia 2 speed, huh? So how did these work out on the road? Were they more of a gimmick, or did they actually work well and allow higher road speeds/lower engine speed? Do they allow split shifting, or are they basically only used once in 3rd gear? Are they robust and reliable, or problematic?

    I used to drive a Ford F800 with a 2 speed axle, which gave me 10 speeds overall if I split shifted it, which I usually did.
     
  4. trad27
    Joined: Apr 22, 2009
    Posts: 1,197

    trad27
    Member

    Columbia two speed. I have one in my roadster and love it, recently drove to Viva and was cruising along 70-80 no problem with my '39 box torque tube and 265. Not really known for strength at all but had mine bullit proofed by John Connelly, still not super strong but not toothpick either. Originally vacum operated Wich is hard to find and complected system but made mine all mechanical and works great. If more of a budget build a 5 speed is the way to go but traditional and works great.
     

  5. trad27
    Joined: Apr 22, 2009
    Posts: 1,197

    trad27
    Member

    You can split all gears but no real avantag in a light car, I just use mine for overdrive in third gear. I have 3:78's and in overdrive it's something like 2:9?'s if I recall right. You don't want to lug them shifting too early or uphill, I guess bad for them. I often leave mine in overdrive if it's a quick stop light and just take off in second but my cars light also
     
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  6. theHIGHLANDER
    Joined: Jun 3, 2005
    Posts: 10,244

    theHIGHLANDER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Yup, Columbia. Was also found under Auburns too. Not a true hot rod part. Shift-on-the-fly at the wrong time and it's expensive:eek: I never had one, just what the old-timers always said, but hot damn they look kool. The controls are worth as much as the axle for Lincolns. Not sure about the Ford stuff, probably the same. A vac switch and speedometer drive are part of it, then a vac "motor" on the front of the axle. Tons of info in a google search as to what's brand/model specific and what will interchange.
     
  7. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    OK, so I assume the 2 copper lines running through the dash here are the lines connecting the control inside the cab to the motor on the axle?
    Columbia 2speed2.jpg
     
  8. I also live in Southern California, which means somewhere between Bakersfield and the Mexican border. Whenever the subject turns to Columbia's there is one name that always comes up, Dan Krehbial. He can be reached at (951) 302-5922. You might want to contact hm if you have any questions or need work done.

    Charlie Stephens
     
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  9. trad27
    Joined: Apr 22, 2009
    Posts: 1,197

    trad27
    Member

    I'm not too familiar with them in stock setup. I assume those are the vacum lines that go to the switch and controller. More of a vacum diaphragm that pulls/pushes shifting linkage on the rear than a moter. There is also a mini two speed transmission I guess you would call it that goes on your speedometer cable. Those aren't as hard to find because trucks with underdrive have a similar set up you can just reverse for overdrive.
     
  10. jeffd1988
    Joined: Apr 12, 2016
    Posts: 537

    jeffd1988

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