I agree that a 3.42 rear is too tall for most applications with an OD trans. I had a 1998 Ranger (great truck) 4 cyl., 5 speed. with a 3.42 rear and a .79 5th. Even with 14 inch wheels, any long incline required a down shift. With a load or towing or in the mountains I just left it in 4th, which I believe was 1:1. This worked well. The differential is apart, now would be a good time to put in a lower gear.
In my first post I was disrespectful of a sbc in a s10 frame. This is not a good position to take as there is a reason they are so popular. Although I prefer a road less traveled, I shouldn't judge how others want to do it.
Thanks for the welcome, questions are coming. Tom
