I drove a stock (other than later 235) 52 1 ton for several years, it took me everywhere I needed to go, 5.14 gears and all.

I then swapped to a later rear with 4.56 gears and it was better, fine around town but a tad slow on the highway, 50-55 was quite comfortable even for an 8,000 mile round the country trip.

My next plans for the truck include a Detroit Diesel 3-53T at 140 HP, a 5 speed Spicer with 0.84 OD, and a 14 bolt from a P-30 with 3.73 gears. That seems like the perfect combo for me.

If you stick with the 216 or upgrade to a 261 the 4.11 gears should be great, might swing 3.73 with the 261.
Not worth adding a turbo to an old gas engine (in my opinion) much less an old 216. The 261 is the easy and economical upgrade.

Gear and speed calculator
http://www.onlineconversion.com/bigger_tires.htm
My 235 liked about 2,400-2,500 RPM on the highway for hours and days at a time and could do more if necessary.


Enjoy!

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-