Jake!!! Thanks for that link!!!! I have a T170 in my 54'.....my rear is obviously not original...lol....came out of a late 60s/early 70s truck I believe. The 4.88s came in the diesels, I have had a few sightings of them but haven't caught up to a good one recently.....is your rear a single speed? I had hoped to have the 4.88s as a high gear and maintain a the two speed.....lol...Thanks!


Originally Posted by Jake45
I am currently building my truck and I knew I would run into this problem so I have done two things. Installed a 4.88 ring and pinion gear set and installed a ranger overdrive in front of my sm-420 transmission. This combination lets me do 65 mph while turning less than 3000 rpm.

The gear sets can be found for about $450, here http://wellertruck.com/lit/Weller_Diff_Catalog_2011.pdf you can find the part numbers for the gear sets. When you find your part number go here and search http://www.truckpartsinventory.com

The overdrive unit was $1400 here http://www.advanceadapters.com/categories/complete-units/91/

1954 6100 Chevy Dump, 292 L6, SM465, 2-speed rear
http://community.webshots.com/user/grampsold54