The interchangeability brings another solution.
You could search for a used gearset to match what you have. If you buy the pumpkin, you wouldn't have to reset the gears, provided they show a good wear pattern. One place to try is Tom Myers Truck Parts in Miami Oklahoma 918 542 3871. This all depends on how happy you are with your existing ratio combined with the overdrive ratio.
The 3.38 is a good ratio for driving, and adding an od behind the 261 will work good for road use, but if you plan on 4 wheeling, you will want more gears. Also consider using a 4 speed SM420 with these gears, it will give you a granny if you need it. It would also let you sell the od trannys and raise some cash to pay Patrick for his gears.
Decisions, decisions. No one said owning an old truck would be easy!
