Mike - According to a search in the
GM Heritage Vehicle Info Kit files for 1940 and 1953 3 speeds, both have a 1st gear ratio of 2.94.
Shouldn’t be any difference in take off/driving in 1st gears between the trucks, all other things being equal.
You mentioned both trucks run the same sized wheels/tires, but are the tires the same brand? Different brands often have different outside diameters, with any such difference possibly affecting driving performance when comparing the trucks.
