Thanks Grigg,
Admittedly if I were called a shade tree mechanic it would be a huge compliment. I bought the vehicle October of 2016 and my wife calls it my mistress. Turns out via the motor markings it has a 1959 235 in it complete with a 1956 top end but I'm learning its common for crate engines of the era to be mismatched top and bottom. I *think* I'm looking at torque tube ..and feel fairly confidant I'm have the Eaton HO52* axle assembly (4.57:1 ratio) as it is HUGE compared to a friends 3100. I can see why folks call it a pumpkin. In the end it seems mods were done in the distant past and I'm struggling to figure things out. To date it runs very well ( and I'm somewhat proud considering my skill level) Everything is smooth ( after a lot of fumbling and tinkering on my part) but I'd like to roll down the hiway at 55 to 60 and not be straining the engine at 3000 rpms. Don't need a hot rod...just need to keep it in one piece!
