My 49 is stock except for a 235. . . . . I am of the theory if it was designed by a bunch of GM engineers to operate as it does then why would I need to modify it. My opinion.
1956 235s were used in cars and trucks with tires/brakes/etc that were not very much more advanced than 47-55 equipment.
The pre-54 engines, being low-pressure and having babbitted rods, might have been matched with the 4.11 due to the older technology, slower speeds, and/or maybe the older roads.
The high-pressure 235 came out in 1954 (in trucks) and so did a 3.90 rear end. 3.70 rear ends were stock in many 1956 cars (with 1956 235 engines). I think the available overdrive had an affective rear-end ratio of about 3.28. So, apparently, the GM engineering of the rest of the vehicle might have been designed to handle that rear-end ratio and resultant higher speeds?
Nonetheless, I am also hold the opinion that I prefer my vehicles the way that "god" (their maker, GM) made them. However, I can live happier and quieter with the hidden 3.55 ring & pinion gears (and, I am really glad I used the installation kit parts).
