Hi y'all
Well, another driving season is here for our old Chevy. This year, we've got some $$$$ set aside to do SOMETHING about making it more driveable on the highway.
Our truck is bone-stock and in very good condition. The brakes work well, the original 216 cid engine runs great, (I believe it was dealer rebuilt a few years ago) and the 3 speed transmission works well other than a minor leak back by the bell seal on the torque tube.
Here's my question: I want to change to a more practical rear end ratio. Right now, top speed is in the 45-50 mph range. I'd like to bump that up about 10 mph so 55 mph would be a reasonable cruising speed. The truck is very original, and I don't want to do anything that detracts from its value. The way I see it, after searching on this forum and reading tons of good info, there are two ways of going about it.
1. Order all the needed parts from Patrick's and tear into it. I'm familiar with dial indicators and understand (mostly) about preload and backlash, etc. My main concern here would be struggling with that %#**!* torque tube.
2. Swap out the whole 3rd member to something more recent with an open driveshaft. I'm aware that there are lots of options here, including S10 and Task Force rear ends. Here my concerns would be:
a) What do I have to do to my 3 speed to convert it to open driveshaft?
b) Can I keep my emergency brake setup?
c) How much work to end up with the right length driveshaft?
I'm not a welder, but there is a good weld shop right around the corner from our house. If I went the swap out the rear end route, I'd want to keep the original 3rd member and torque tube so the truck could be restored to original if need be.
I'd appreciate some input from you guys that have actually done either the Patrick's kit or rear end swap. OK, I'll go back to searching the archives now.
Thanks
