The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline More top end speed

Thinking ahead. WHEN (I almost said "IF"!) I finish my truck, I am going to have change the rear end ratio. With the pedal to the floor, if I remember right, it would do about 60 MPH. How expensive is this with the stock closed drive shaft? I think I might have another shaft and gears from a '48 truck lying around somewhere, but it might be the same ratio as I have now.

I have a 58 Transmission, but would like to keep every thing stock.

Was the granny gear set up typical in these trucks, or a minority?

Various venders sell a 3.55 gear set for your rear end which is about the simplest and most inexpensive way there is to get more speed out of less rpm. However, you must remember that you don't have much horse power under the hood.

I should have mentioned that the stock engine was replace with a more modern 235. Not a V8, but more powerful in it's present form than 216 that was in there and has the potential to pump out even more horsepower.

Is there a rear end gear set that would be a direct fit from a newer truck?

The path of least resistance (and likely costs) is the 3:55 gear installation. It's been a while since I purchased a set but the hears and bearing kit (highly recommended) was about $800-$900.

In addition to SWEET's recommendation, you should consider getting an Installation Kit: 1941-1950 or 1951-1954.

No! Nothing else will fit in the original location.

A 3.90 from a 55 and later will fit the banjo housing, but then you will have to go to an open drive shaft which means a different transmission. A 235 will easily handle 3.55 gears.

Thanks for the excellent info. You have answered my questions.

That will be the last thing I will worry about when the truck is finished. I will search around for the gears from the '48 I stripped and junked years ago. I drove it, but cant remember the feel it had. It was probably the same as my '50. If I still have it, I can get the numbers off it. That '48 was a real rust bucket, but the engine and drive train felt great.

I found the gears. 37 teeth making it a 4.11:1

Oh well. Better start saving my money.

Thanks for the link tclederman.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/51126.htm