I had at one time a 1998 Chevy 4 wheel drive pickup.350 engine 700R4 trans.and a 3:42 rearend. It was great for fuel economy,but it was not much off of the line.I took that truck to FL a couple of times,and OK a couple of times,and it got 21 MPG,not too bad for a full size 4 wheel drive truck.With that 3:42 you are right on the edge,between a 700R4,or a 350 or 400 turbo hydramatic.IN my 55 I am running a 350 engine 700R4 trans. and 3:90 gears,it performs really well with that low first gear,and gets 20 MPG all day long.In other words you have the option of overdrive or not depending on how quick you want it coming off of the line.
