Classic/Antique Car Repair: rear end, ford automobile, ford falcon

Question
I have a 65 Ford Falcon 6 cyl.Standard trans.I put a 302 engine and a c4 automatic trans.Runs great but whe you go on third gear,the engine sounds forced,like if needs a 4th gear.I tought the problem was the rear end,because i left the original(the one that came from the factory).I`ve been reading about the rear ends ratios and I realize Ford makes from 2.8 to 3.5:1 rear end for those years.Do you think the problem is another thing on car or is it the rear end.??

Answer
You must have not read very far into my introductory material on this site, because I say in LARGE, BOLD PRINT that I do not answer questions regarding modified cars, because I have very little faith that the person who has done the modifications has the engineering background in automotive design to do a safe, competent job.  Nor does he have the backing of a mega-corporation with the testing and analysis support that the outfit that originally designed the car had, to make sure it is safe, and durable, and serviceable once in the hands of the public.  Maybe you're the exception to this, but if not, my only advice to you is to put the car back the way the great Ford automobile company made it, and it will serve you well.   What you have now is a car that has the brakes, wheel sizes, chassis strength, suspension parts, driveline and rearaxle ratio that is designed to work with a 140 or 170 Cubic Inch 6 cylinder engine, but a V8 engine with double to triple the horsepower, but inadequate brakes, suspension, wheels, tire size, chassis (actually, these cars don't have a chassis - only some spot welded sheetmetal to hold the body together) - so you are driving a mortal bomb!  Put it back right or junk it - don't drive this thing another foot, if you want to see your grandchildren someday!

So yes, I think the problem is the rear end - your's!  To save it, undo the mods, and if you must have a V8, go looking for a V8 engined car that was originally built that way.

Sorry to dump on you, but I get about 10 of these questions a week, and yours just triggered my feelings to come out in public!

Don't shoot the messenger!

My best wishes to you, whatever you do!

Dick