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#1089983 03/07/2015 10:00 AM
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
E
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
E Offline
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
First, I am new to cars or trucks of this vintage. I have been restoring Corvettes for many years. Recently I purchased a 1941 1/2 ton pickup. The truck runs and drives and is in great shape with no rust to speak of.

When buying this project, I did not give any thought to the drivability of this truck on highways we have here in New Jersey.

I am in need of advice as to how I can change the rear differential to a ratio higher than the 4:11 that I think is in the truck at this time.

I would like to keep the remainder of the original drive train.

Thanks for any and all help.

Ed

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,418
ODSS Lawman
ODSS Lawman
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,418
Welcome to Stovebolt Ed!

The 4:11 ratio was the smallest that came on your vintage truck. There are a few options. Keeping the enclosed driveline will prevent having to change the transmission. I do not think the 3:55 gearset will fit in your rear axle. That being said, I have installed a third member out of an AD truck in your vintage. If you can do that, then you can get the 3:55 gears and be on your way.

Your truck will do highway speeds now once everything is in good working order. However the noise may be intimidating!!!


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BUNS?!?!?!Where we're going, we don't need no buns.....
1950 GMC 450
1951 Chevy 1/2-Ton
The GreenMachine
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E
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Posts: 34
Thank you for the response. Now let me show my true ignorance of this subject. What does AD stand for?

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,418
ODSS Lawman
ODSS Lawman
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,418
AD = Advanced Design Series
1947.2-1955.1


SWEET
Sergeant At Arms: Old Dominion Stovebolt Society
BUNS?!?!?!Where we're going, we don't need no buns.....
1950 GMC 450
1951 Chevy 1/2-Ton
The GreenMachine
In the Stovebolt Gallery
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
W
Riding in the Passing Lane
Riding in the Passing Lane
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
The way I understand, you can use the 3rd member from a 50-54 pass car with powerglide. It has the 3:55 gears in it.


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super
In the Gallery Forum
Joined: Mar 2015
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E
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
Thank you for the information. I shall start my search.

Ed

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 277
D
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Posts: 277
I kind of remember things a bit different. If you are looking for a 50-54 car differential, I believe you will need to replace the entire differential, the pumpkin will not fit the truck differential.

3:55 after market gears are available and will fit 41 1/2 ton differentials. They are available from vendors such as 'Patricks'.

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E
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Posts: 34
Thank you so much. I placed a call to Patricks but didn't get to talk to anyone. I will try again later.

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E
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
I just spoke to the gentleman at Patricks who has indicated that a ring and pinion is available for the 1941 half ton truck and can be installed in the current set up.

Thanks to all for the help.

Ed


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