I have identified the engine in my 51 3100 as a 1959 made 235 with hydraulic lifters. I have a granny 4 speed and I just determined that the rear end is a '66 12 bolt with 4.11 gears.
I understand this means that the rear wheels move slowly in relation to the crankshaft,but what does this mean to me?Why would someone choose such a combination? What are the advantages of this in a 1/2 ton pickup? What are the drawbacks? I once owned a 68 1 ton international that was geared like this. I could drive the truck up a steep hill in first gear and someone could walk behind it to spread sand on the road from the bed.I let out the clutch with a full load of wood and it crawled uphill to the road without touching the gas pedal.
But what good is this for what is basically a passenger truck?The truck came to me with no bed and a handmade flatbed that was rotted. I rebuilt the flat bed and built a wooden shell around it with tool compartments for use in carpentry. I really don't need speed and will probably never drive it anywhere but on back country roads so I don't need speed.
I'd appreciate people's opinions.---Jack

1951 3100
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