Ok here it is in a large nut shell. I had a 41 1 1/2 fire truck with a 216 and a stock 4spd. Built a dump truck out of it used a 54 235, 51 bell housing, 54 4spd. Switched from 6" 20's to more modern 19.5's. Removed dump bed shed close to 2000 lbs of iron, shortened the long wheelbase frame 22". Currently have 6.11 rear end. I have purchased a rear end out of a 70's motorhome, it had a 454 with an automatic. I don't know what gear ratio it is, it was cheap with ten lugs it fits my wheels. The pig is 12" across where mine is 16" so it has to be more highway friendly than what I have. I also found a 5spd out of a 1960 60 series truck. It bolts up to my bell, it has an e brake with the same yoke pattern. Basically my plan is to create a really heavy duty pickup with dual wheels. I finally found some great fenders perfect for my set up. I am using an 8' 46 GMC bed. The Truck is basically going to weigh the same as pickup on top but have the weight of a short wheel base 1 1/2 ton underneath. So what would you use the 4 spd or the 5? The 5 will require modifications to the floor pan again it seems to be a bit taller. I am trying to get this beast to go 50-55mph without sounding like it is going to explode. Grigg thinks the rear is probably a 4.56. I was hoping for a 4.10. I got the 5spd just in case I needed help getting it moving. I was trying to find out what gear ratios the 5 speed has I assume its final is the same as the 4sd. But I was curious what 1st 2nd & 3rd gear ratios were like. I am using a fresh 235 but I have a 261 in reserve if needed. I know I don't have much power to work with but I really don't plan to haul much weight with it either. Suggestions would be helpful. Thanks Joe N.
