MTFCA Forum

This Northeast part of Texas is pretty flat, and hotter than he!! this time of year, but that’s a different story. I’ve been driving T’s for 56 years, but this is my first running, driving car with a Ruckstell. My question is do you guys shift your axels in normal, non hill driving?

Bob,
Here in the Pacific Northwest we have lots of mountains and I have Ruckstells in all of my cars.
I always start in low and Ruckstell low. Then shift into high still in Ruckstell low. Finally, high and Ruckstell high.
I will use low gear in Ruckstell high if I am starting from a complete stop, but headed down hill, and go through all four combinations only if I am going up a steep hill and starting from a complete stop.
Use the same gear combination going down a hill as you use going up the hill.
I always shift in the Ruckstell low when coming to a stop.

Love my Ruckstells.

Personally, I always start off in Ford low. UNLESS I'm stopped on an uphill climb, such as a stop sign on a hill. If that's the case I start off on Ruckstell low, then shift according to the terrain.

BobShirleyAtlantaTx wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 14, 2021 9:42 am

This Northeast part of Texas is pretty flat, and hotter than he!! this time of year, but that’s a different story. I’ve been driving T’s for 56 years, but this is my first running, driving car with a Ruckstell. My question is do you guys shift your axels in normal, non hill driving?

Whats the gear ratio?? If stock 3:66, leave it in direct for every thing, untill a hill or parade.
3:1. Rux (low) for starting off. Down shift to rux for slowing & stopping. On the open road - direct. Pick a gear ratio such that you are in direct mostly.
Rux being defined as engaged (underdrive)

Normally, I use Ruckstell on my gravel driveway 1180' from house to paved road. I start in Ruckstell low and then shift to Ford high until I reach the paved road. When I go up a hill, I use whichever gear climbs best, and also go down the hill in the same gear. Important thing when going downhill is to shift into Ruckstell before the hill gets steep, just in case I might miss the shift, I can stop before I get to the steep hill.

On flat land, I don't use Ruckstell at all unless I am in a parade or elsewhere where I need to go very slow.
Norm

Joe Bell tells me he down shifts into Rux low entering a corner then shifts to Rux high upon exit. Makes sense, I have yet to try it. Works with a hotrod Mustang, I can tell you. Joe must be one of them thar high performance, maxed out, go for broke model T guys! Go for it, Bill

I never use Ruckstell except when needed. Usually that is for loading it onto a trailer, or a very steep hill. I have Ruckstells in all of my cars too that I drive. I tried Ruckstell and low pedal on that 18% grade on the Golden Gate tour recently, and found it was not needed. Standard Ford low was adequate for that hill.

Bob, you once bought parts from me in Katy, so you know how flat it is. Back in the 1970's, I had a 1916 touring that I bought out of Colorado Springs. It had a three speed cast iron Warford and a Ruckstell. Not even considering the Ford 2 speed transmission, the Warford and the Ruckstell, alone gave 6 forward speeds. I used to like to try them all, but Warford low with Ruckstell low was my least favorite. It was so slow, I could let the T trans slip into high and get out of the car and walk around it and get back in again before it got away from me. (and that's no lie)

Hi Terry,
Just think if you could lock the trans in low in Rux & underdrive you could check the air in the tires while you walked around.
I run a 3:1 so I use the Rux on hills & in traffic.
Craig.

I had a Ruckstell in my 12 but wanted the original look of the 12 clamshell rear end so I took it out and put it in my touring. Now I have the original axle and a cast iron warford which I am starting to think was a mistake. I am now looking for a nother Ruckstell and save the 12 rear end for a rainy day. If someone has one to sell, let me know. Frank