I hear you Tom, 90% of my driving is on secondary roads too, yesterday the weather was good and roads were dry and I went for a drive and got out in the country a ways, time got away and I jumped onto the freeway for a jaunt and the 235 is not happy at 65mph with 4.11 and 29" tires, too much engine speed, it sweet spot is 50-55. So I have gathered up the parts for a 3.55 but haven't started the work yet. I have a sm420 so I can start out in first if I have too and good synchros in the trans too so there is always that factor..

1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration