Question on TT cruising speeds

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
JohnB48
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2020 11:47 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Bargerhuff
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: none yet but I'm looking
Location: Madison IN

Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by JohnB48 » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:08 am

Hey everyone! Model T newbie here with an easy question for you all. I'm looking for a good first T and I've come across a very nice '24 TT stake bed truck. I've been reading what I can find about TT's and have seen a couple of statements that make me curious. First was a blurb that said the TT chassis was 900 pounds heavier than the standard T? I know, heavier axle and wheels, & longer chassis, but 900 pounds? Second, and more important- do all TT's have the same lower gearing? And how much does this reduce your cruising speed?
I'm asking because I just attended last month's open house- my first MTFCA event. I really enjoyed it, especially Friday's tour. A very nice young man gave me a ride in his depot hack and we were making great time until we experienced an unfortunate navigational error (sorry Rod). Anyways, I don't want to spend the rest of my life being tail end Charlie, with everyone waiting for me to catch up (I already provide that service on group bicycle rides). So can your average TT trucks keep up with the pack on group tours?

User avatar

Henry K. Lee
Posts: 5339
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:09 am
First Name: Henry
Last Name: Lee
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Many
Location: South Pittsburg, TN
MTFCA Number: 479
MTFCA Life Member: YES

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Henry K. Lee » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:13 am

John,

A 5 to 1 rear end will impress you as I found out years back. Could get up and cruise at 34 mph all day long.

Hope this helps,

Hank


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:30 am

A stock Model T engine runs well at 1600 RPM. 1800 RPM is about as fast as one needs to run. High gear is 1:1. A stock TT rear axle is about xx 5.8:1 xx (more like 7.8:1) Determine rear wheel diameter and do the math.
Last edited by TXGOAT2 on Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:41 am, edited 1 time in total.


Dallas Landers
Posts: 2786
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:26 pm
First Name: Dallas
Last Name: Landers
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Rpu, 23 TT, 24 coupe,
Location: N.E. Indiana
MTFCA Number: 49995

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Dallas Landers » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:32 am

Screenshot_20210710-194608_Messages.jpg
This one has 7:1 rear end gears and a Chicago 3 speed with the 23" kelsey rear wheels. The 9 ft wood bed and wood cab makes it pretty heavy. Have never weighed it. I run in direct drive most of the time. 25 mph is where its happy. In Chicago overdrive it will run 42mph . It has a very stock engine with cast iron pistons. Engine balanced and aluminum pistons and advanced cam can increase speeds.$$$ is the only thing you need. I am not really a tour guy so speed is not a factor.

Being last in line has its advantaged. You get to see all those cars without looking in the mirror. If you take a wrong turn, you blame the cars in front.

TT's are fun because you dont see as many on the road. They are useful around the farm for many things. In the photo above, the neighbors wanted to go for icecream.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 6411
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
MTFCA Number: 51486
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:38 am

That's a well-equipped truck. I beleive I was in error previously concerning 5.8:1 being the stock TT rear axle ratio. I'd love to have a TT, but I'd definitely want an auxilliary gearbox.

User avatar

TWrenn
Posts: 3389
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:53 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Wrenn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13 Touring, '26 "Overlap" Fordor
Location: Ohio
MTFCA Number: 30701
MTFCI Number: 24033
Board Member Since: 2019

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by TWrenn » Sat Jul 17, 2021 9:39 am

Dallas, that is pretty cool. Looks like a truckload of Menonites enjoying the day, get ice cream without firing up the ol' hit-n-miss!

Nice pic, nice truck. Good that you got it fixed up to go faster when you want or need it. We like to tour around 28-30, I try to hold mine down to 29, both Clara and especially Isabel the torpedo love to go faster.

User avatar

George House
Posts: 2270
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:25 pm
First Name: George
Last Name: House
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘10 Maxwell AA, ‘11Hupp Model 20, Two 1914 Ford runabouts, 19 centerdoor, 25 C Cab,26 roadster
Location: Northern Caldwell County TX
MTFCA Number: 115
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by George House » Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:08 am

Perusing past Forums on actual scale weight from various TT owners; the range of reports varied between 2200 lbs and 2750 lbs depending on equipment. Considering the stock engine/tranny was the same as a T, 800-900 lbs difference coupled with a much lower ratio differential would give up a much slower vehicle. And, John, to answer one of your questions, there were 2 differential ratios. The earliest was the 7.16/1 and later (usually with Ruckstell equipped) was the 5.25/1
I don’t know why I turned out this way. My parents were decent people 🤪


Cap
Posts: 84
Joined: Sun May 16, 2021 3:05 pm
First Name: Cap
Last Name: Weir
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 & 25 C Cab
Location: Atascadero,Ca

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Cap » Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:39 am

I have a '24 TT, and also Drive a '13 T that I'm working on. I've put a BUNCH of miles on the TT. Scat Crank, Aluminum Pistons, 280 Cam, E-Timer, and for a while it had an OD1 Carb on it. I Liked the Power of the OD1, I did not like the Idle of the OD1, so I took it off.

The TT is a Chore to drive.. you don't Drive a TT, you Ride a TT.. They are heavier, Slower, Need to Spin Faster, and not as Comfortable as a Passenger T. A 45 Minute Drive in the TT is Tiresom. a Two Hour Drive in the TT is a Work Out. I can hit 42 with the 7:1 gears( CORECTION 5:1 GEARING.. It was a 7:1 and we changed it ), and a Lane-Warford Aux transmission. Dad had a Cast Iron Warford in it at First, and it'd do 48 MPH!.. But with the Warford, you cant 'Shift on the Fly' like you can with the Lane-Warford. So we switched it and it has a Slower Overdrive, and a Faste Underdrive.. I think this was built for a Car.

However, the '13 Passenger T, a 45 Minute drive is an 'Excursion'.. I'm not as Fatigues as the TT, after the same 45 Minute Drive ( One way to Work ).. I've not done the 2 Hour Drive yet in the '13, but I will when I drive it back to it's Home..

Sit in a TT, and try to get comfortable. Then sit in a T and Get Comfortable.. See which one you like the best.

That said, I'm off in the TT to go to Home Depot to get TWO sheets of Plywood.. The TT is my Only Truck, and I use it as one..

Presently ~3/4" plywood is about $85 a sheet now.. I need to finish up my Wheel Press to put new Spokes in the '13. I'm bringing my bag of Gold, and hope I have some left when I get back..

Cap
Last edited by Cap on Sat Jul 17, 2021 6:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.


speedytinc
Posts: 3840
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
MTFCA Number: 14383
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by speedytinc » Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:37 pm

Cap wrote:
Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:39 am
I have a '24 TT, and also Drive a '13 T that I'm working on. I've put a BUNCH of miles on the TT. Scat Crank, Aluminum Pistons, 280 Cam, E-Timer, and for a while it had an OD1 Carb on it. I Liked the Power of the OD1, I did not like the Idle of the OD1, so I took it off.

The TT is a Chore to drive.. you don't Drive a TT, you Ride a TT.. They are heavier, Slower, Need to Spin Faster, and not as Comfortable as a Passenger T. A 45 Minute Drive in the TT is Tiresom. a Two Hour Drive in the TT is a Work Out. I can hit 42 with the 7:1 gears, and a Lane-Warford Aux transmission. Dad had a Cast Iron Warford in it at First, and it'd do 48 MPH!.. But with the Warford, you cant 'Shift on the Fly' like you can with the Lane-Warford. So we switched it and it has a Slower Overdrive, and a Faste Underdrive.. I think this was built for a Car.

However, the '13 Passenger T, a 45 Minute drive is an 'Excursion'.. I'm not as Fatigues as the TT, after the same 45 Minute Drive ( One way to Work ).. I've not done the 2 Hour Drive yet in the '13, but I will when I drive it back to it's Home..

Sit in a TT, and try to get comfortable. Then sit in a T and Get Comfortable.. See which one you like the best.

That said, I'm off in the TT to go to Home Depot to get TWO sheets of Plywood.. The TT is my Only Truck, and I use it as one..

Presently ~3/4" plywood is about $85 a sheet now.. I need to finish up my Wheel Press to put new Spokes in the '13. I'm bringing my bag of Gold, and hope I have some left when I get back..

Cap
After a 10 mile or so run @42, see if you can hold your hand on the rear end center section.
It would be interesting to calculate your engine RPM's I think it will shock you.


Cap
Posts: 84
Joined: Sun May 16, 2021 3:05 pm
First Name: Cap
Last Name: Weir
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 & 25 C Cab
Location: Atascadero,Ca

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Cap » Sat Jul 17, 2021 6:01 pm

Corrected Previous Post.. 5:1 Gearing Now..

Cap


speedytinc
Posts: 3840
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
MTFCA Number: 14383
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by speedytinc » Sat Jul 17, 2021 6:10 pm

Cap wrote:
Sat Jul 17, 2021 6:01 pm
Corrected Previous Post.. 5:1 Gearing Now..

Cap
That makes more sense. Still, touch that rear axle, if you havent yet.


D Stroud
Posts: 1015
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:45 am
First Name: David
Last Name: Stroud
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 Coupe
Location: Mound City, MO 64470
Board Member Since: 2011

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by D Stroud » Sun Jul 18, 2021 3:42 am

Dallas, Dallas, Dallas. Have you forgotten already what is in that rearend. It has the "high" speed ( ;) ) 5to1 gears in it. Am I going to have to give you a refresher course on that old girl? :lol: :lol: :lol: Dave
1925 mostly original coupe.


D Stroud
Posts: 1015
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:45 am
First Name: David
Last Name: Stroud
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 Coupe
Location: Mound City, MO 64470
Board Member Since: 2011

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by D Stroud » Sun Jul 18, 2021 4:44 am

A couple more points. If you use an auxiliary trans, a set of aftermarket accessory outside rear brakes is HIGHLY recommended because when the aux trans is in neutral, you have no brakes other than the emergency brake, and that can be iffy in a panic situation. Also, the old straight tooth aux. transmissions can be shifted up or down very easily IF, you install an accessory foot throttle. With one of those, you can shift it just as any other vehicle with a straight tooth trans, such as a Model A, by double clutching. As with most anything on a T, there is of course a learning curve. Not difficult at all if you can find someone to give you some pointers. (AKA, us old guys that cut our teeth driving '40's-'50's vehicles) :) Dave
1925 mostly original coupe.


Dallas Landers
Posts: 2786
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:26 pm
First Name: Dallas
Last Name: Landers
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Rpu, 23 TT, 24 coupe,
Location: N.E. Indiana
MTFCA Number: 49995

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Dallas Landers » Sun Jul 18, 2021 8:13 am

I knew that Dave. It wont happen again!😁


Burger in Spokane
Posts: 2251
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2019 2:05 am
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Burger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 TT closed cab flatbed
Location: Spokane, Wa.
Board Member Since: 2014

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by Burger in Spokane » Sun Jul 18, 2021 7:31 pm

This came to me with an unbalanced, likely original build drivetrain and 7:1 gears,
with a Ruckstell. It went OK to about 15 and then the shaking began. At about 20
the vibration slowed and a wound out speed of about 23-25 could be achieved, but
the poor engine was really going !

A rebuild with careful balance was done. A Z-head added, C-race cam, SCAT crank,
and an OF carb rounded out the engine tweaks. Out back, I swapped in a 5:1 gear
set, and with some good tuning, the old dog will kick down the road comfortably at
40, with a top speed of 48 on flat ground. I have no overdrive, but plans are in the
works for a Lincoln 3-speed to get that. The math says this will make 55mph cruising,
with a top speed of perhaps 65 ?

Now, realities being what they are, this is insanity territory for a vehicle with serious
braking limitations and the positive steering of a T.

I use my TT as a truck, and most times it is found either hauling materials or open
road trips like in the photo. Speed for getting "out there" is good, but my pleasure
driving is generally done on Model T era roads, where going much over 25 is limited
by the road itself.

As it was explained to me when I got serious about owning one of these, there are
two sides to this challenge. One is gearing, and the other is developing enough "umph!"
to push those gears on such a limited power range engine. Both sides of this must be
addressed to get a decent cruising speed in all terrains.

64703687718__E062BA13-29DD-4B2B-8676-8E567DDC6251.jpg
More people are doing it today than ever before !

User avatar

TWrenn
Posts: 3389
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:53 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Wrenn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13 Touring, '26 "Overlap" Fordor
Location: Ohio
MTFCA Number: 30701
MTFCI Number: 24033
Board Member Since: 2019

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by TWrenn » Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:09 am

Cap, my '13 touring runs so smooth and quiet I can drive it all day and not get tired. Hope urs is or will be that way once you're finished with it. Go for the long haul! You won't be disappointed.

User avatar

kelly mt
Posts: 249
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:55 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: Kelly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 23 Speedster, 25 TT, 26 Roadster, 27 Tudor
Location: Noxon MT

Re: Question on TT cruising speeds

Post by kelly mt » Mon Jul 19, 2021 12:30 pm

My TT has the 5:1 gears and will cruise at 30 MPH just fine. You can't keep up with a tour unless you go with a aux. transmission. KC Warford makes a real good trans. for the TT that will let you keep up with the speed of the cars. You will still need a good strong running motor in any case.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic