I agree that a 6 cylinder powered vehicle as owned by Skooter and others need a lower gear to start out. Changing the rear end ratio to get more top end can create a situation as described.
This does not necessarily apply to V-8 powered trucks.
My 56 has the stock 3:90 rear end, a garden variety 350 engine, and a 3 speed overdrive transmission. I rarely use 1st gear starting out except on a hill, in fact it has a faster take off using second.
I only have to shift once to get 3 speeds with a good top end.
Another advantage to the 3sp OD is by using 2nd OD on hills or with a load. It is a mid range speed that really pulls well.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to the best
drive-ability.
Fred
