Been working on another Perfecto. Got a few things done. The big box is spare parts.
How much is one of these axles?
Is there an overdrive?
Seems like the knowledgeable rate on a Perfecto in good original condition is $1000. It is an underdrive, same as a Ruckstell. It was the forerunner of the Ruckstell axle, the first commercial two speed axle for a Model T.
Looking good Richard. Sent the Ruckstell parts back. Not sure how that will come out.
Patrick,
The Ruckstell or the Perfecto can be assembled as an overdrive or an underdrive, depending only on the ring gear and pinion setup. With a 3:1 gear set, it's an overdrive. With the standard Ford gears, it's an underdrive.
Jim
Richard, This is the first thing that comes to mind when I saw your posts title. :-)
James, I run a 3.1 ruststell I see what your saying but it's still a underdrive regardless of the gear set
Mike,
It's true that the Ruckstell gives you another low gear, regardless of how it's set up, but it makes it possible to drive with a 3:1 ring and pinion, and therefore it's considered by some to be an overdrive. Without the 4 speed, it's difficult to make use of the low ratio in the differential. For a closed car, the "overdrive" Ruckstell is never recommended. Your car won't go any faster, the engine will just run slower and beat out the bearings.
Jim
I know some folks install 3 to 1 gears with a Ruckstell, but it wouldn't be a good idea with a Perfecto since the parts are not as beefy as a Ruckstell and I would be afraid of warping. In fact more than half the Perfecto internals I have seen have a warped thrust plate. Seems the webbing doesn't hold its shape under pressure.
You really appreciate a Ruckstell after working on these units, not only the sturdy construction but the fact that new parts are available.
The other thing I noticed is that the internal clearances on a Perfecto are high, no doubt because the parts were not machined accurately originally and the extra clearance is necessary to insure the unit revolves without binding.
When you are trying to achieve clearances in the 5 to 7 thou range, you are almost fighting a loosing battle.
I will say this, for anyone who enjoys machine work ie lathe, mill etc, a Perfecto will give you plenty of work.
Richard,
(and others), are the Perfecto and Ruckstell similar in appearance? If so, could the "innards" be Ruckstell while using the earlier Perfecto case?
Sorry for my ignorance (this ought to cause thread drift ),
Rob