BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 21 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 21 | What is the best and cheapest way to get about 10 to 15 more miles per hour out of my 1 ton. Truck is completely stock. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | Taller tires or only driving down hill. 
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | as Carl indicates Randy, there really isn't a 'cheap' way, only pretty spendy rear end change or even more spendy aftermarket overdrive
Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | The easiest way is to find a guy that is swapping out a 3600 3/4 ton rearend. You could probably get them for free or little money. The 4.57's from the 3600 trucks will drop your RPM's about 250-300 depending on your tire size. Another option, which is harder to come by, is a 4.10 gearset from a 67-72 1 ton truck. They'll drop your RPM another 200-250 RPM.
The next option is an overdrive transmission.
Whatever you do, make sure your engine is up to snuff. A good tune up and carb rebuild will go a long way.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | GM 14 bolt axles are cheap and plentiful, 8 lug, usually $150., lots of ratios.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION SWAP, taller tires, and better gearing.
There are many OD transmissions to choose from including but not limited to the T5, NV4500, A833/my6, roadranger OD, Gear Venders OD, etc. Most OD transmissions drop rpm at cruising speed by 27%. Many are direct bolt in swaps, however most will require the driveshaft to be modified.
Usally I would reccomend a transmission more stout than a t5 for a 1 ton truck,however if you have a stock 216 or 235, I don't believe it would hurt the transmission. Weight would be the enemy more than HP or torque. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,903 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,903 | If you have 17" or 18" tires and put a 4.57 rear out of a 3/4 ton, it will run 60 all day long, You probably don't have brakes that are suitable for much faster than that. I used to drive 70 all day long with a GMC with 4.57 and 7.50x17 tires. You just need to step on the gas a little harder and get used to the noise. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | Stock t5 is rated for 300 lb/ft
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
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