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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 | I have been asked, by a motivated seller, to come and look at a 1949 3800 dually, (with a mostly intact Williamson stock rack). Doesn't run and hasn't for many many years. This truck is the 5 window model with those windows intact. It does have a full set of matching and proper 18" wheels, OLD tires. What is the best and simplest upgrade to get better gearing in the rear end? I have a 1973 GMC dually rear end, is that a good option? Pictures will come in a few days.
Al | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 | The 4:10 gear swap for the original axle is the simplest, depending on your abilities may be the best option too. https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/axles/1%20Ton%20Upgrade/Debatable, but the best upgrade is probably the 14 bolt axle swap from a Cab and Chassis truck, which you may already have (not from truck with a pickup bed). It's all good except the work involved with spring perches and brake backing plate location, all that detailed here. In the end you get brakes with available parts, and your choice of ratios down to some even faster than practical. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread.../14-bolt-axle-swap-info.html#Post1249600The 18" wheels look real nice, kind of define these 1 ton Dually's, but the practical upgrade is 19.5" wheels with 8R19.5 tires. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 | Hello Grigg, Thanks for the post and links. The rear end I have from a 1973 long wheelbase dually flat bed truck from the factory, (not a pick-up dually). If I can, I will be staying with the 18" wheels just because I like them! But that may change also if a set of 19.5's show up on my doorstep. I have never been into the AD version of Chev. trucks so I am not familiar and need to ask a question. How may years did the AD trucks come with no wing or vent window? I had the idea that only 1947 and 1948 had no vent windows.
Regards,
Alan | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 | 51 started door vent windows | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 | Do production numbers give us an idea of what percentage, of the total trucks built, per year, would have the five window configuration? Another question, (off subject) are you going to be OK regarding Florence and her path? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 171 | For anyone interested, pictures of the 3800 dually being discussed in this topic can be seen in Photobucket in a sub album to my 1947 GMC dump truck.Follow the link "More pix in Photobucket" as listed below.
Al
Last edited by Big Al's; 09/13/2018 2:06 PM. Reason: addition
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 544 | The late model (68-72) 3/4 and 1 ton chevys with 350/automatic from the factory will come with 4.10. A bolt in swap. Did it on mine. I hope that it runs faster than 45! But installed easy | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 91 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 91 | I too did the 4:10 swap on my 48 GMC 1 ton. Very pleased, can run 55 with no problems. That looks like a nice 3800 by the way! | | |
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Alan