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What should be the top speed for my '41 1 1/2 ton with the 235 four speed? I know I wont win any races but I hate having a long line behind me

Which rear end do you have?

What size tires do you have?

don't expect to 'cruise' at over 50, you might push it to 60 on a downhill to get to a wide spot to pull over and let'em pass

Bill

Thanks. That's kind of what I thought. As for tires and rear end, I will have to get back to you

I think he has a single speed rear (not sure the ratio) and 7.00-20 or 7.50-20 tires.

Grigg

45mph on a good day.. its what it is. LOL

That's about where my 42 1.5 is happiest, 45-48. Mine has the 261, 6:17 rear and 750x20s, Feels like 55-60 though, Ha Ha.

Open the front window all the way and your cowl vent, you'll only be doing 45 or 50 mph, but it feels like alltruck72 said, 55 or 60.....lol. Watch out for hornets though.

My 46 with a single speed 6:17 rear and 8.25 tires will cruise well at 50-53. I have had it to 65 but it was screaming. 55 isn't that bad, but 50 seems to be what it likes.

I rebuilt the 235 last winter and it still has the babbited rods with .030 over pistons. It's all stock. Even the radiator is original. I do run up around 190-200 degree's on a very warm day on the interstate, so if it is really hot out I tend to keep it under 45 for long periods of time. I have upgraded to a 12V alternator

I drive mine regularly on the interstate and in town. About 100 miles a week on average.

Anyone know what speed to expect out of my 57 GMC LCF 2 ton?
I have been driving it around the place, but not out on the open road yet.
It has the 270 I6 engine, 2 speed rear, with 6:40/8:72 gears, SM420, 4-speed tranny. 8.25x20 tires.
I too, was wondering what the top cruise speed would be, without the engine screaming.

Old GMC, I would imagine about the same as me, maybe a few more miles with the rear in high gear. It doesn't matter what kind of hours power for your top speed. It matters what engine RPM you can run and what gearing you have. The 270 should have a little more torque and horse power, but I would imagine it has the same power band....

Just my $.02 worth.

Thanks Randy. I can live with 50. I don't think I want to drive it any faster than that. After all, it IS 57 years old, with no seat belts. lol

You'll be fine at 50-55. The steering and brakes will help you decide the sweet spot for your truck going down the road. As long as your comfortable and it feels right who cares how fast your going.

I'd say 52-55 would be your "happy spot". That's where my T.F.'55 "likes" it. I still have about 1/4 inch of footfeed left,but I don't like to make "it" scream.

What speed you can go is not that important it is the RPM that the engine can handle. Was told at one time not go over 2200 RPMs on a babbit pounder myself I would keep it a 2000 Rpms to be safe. Hope this helps.

Marv.

Don't be afraid of you babbit engines, they were designed to make max HP at well over 3000 rpm. Running all day long between 3000 and 3500 rpm shouldn't be a problem on a healthy engine.

Mike B