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| | | Forums66 Topics128,080 Posts1,056,060 Members48,433 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher 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!!!
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-TonThe GreenMachineIn the Stovebolt Gallery | | | | | Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2015 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-TonThe GreenMachineIn the Stovebolt Gallery | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane 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 SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 | Thank you for the information. I shall start my search.
Ed | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 277 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 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'. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2015 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. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher 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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