This may come off as the dumbest, or the greatest questions ever-ok I admit, the latter was just wishful thinking but here goes anyway:
First question: The guy helping me with my truck recommended looking into swapping out the rear axle on my truck to get a better gear ratio and eliminate some of the issues I'm having with the one on it (needs a rebuild at the least). He thought that some of the late 70's/early 80's axles might swap without needing additional parts like a brake booster etc.
Is there a specific axle I should look for that would give me a better gear ratio and would be a virtually direct swap? I searched a good deal on this site but haven't had much luck finding swap info for anything but the AD trucks.
Not sure if any other info is necessary, but I've got a 1959 Chevy fleetside longbed (3200) with the stock 235, a 4 speed (including granny gear) on the floor and 2wd.
Second question: The transmission is making a good amount of noise, it works, but it's pretty loud. I understand the 5 speed from the s-10 can be swapped after checking the tech section, but I was wondering if there were any other 4 speeds that would have more cruising friendly gears and would place the shifter closer or in the same spot as the factory floor location that mine currently has.
Thanks!
Alden
