Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area Driveline Rear end gear ratio?

I ran that size tires on my 59 Suburban, with 3.40 gears in the rear end (79 Blazer rear axle) with an SM465 trans an loved it. I could cruise along at 90 if I wanted to and it pulled whatever I put behind it (broulght my bog bolts home, weighed in at 17,340 with the 59 behind it). That said, depending on how you are using it, and with the 235 , your 3.90 gears should be great!

Seems like that tall of a tire/wheel combination will place allot of strain on an old driveline.

Thanks Mike B. That website helped out tremendously!

sorry its been awhile. you are correct Mike B. I'm changing out the 3 speed for a 4 speed. the trans in it has a 2.85 first gear. I'm thinking a taller first gear in a 4 speed would be better? I would like to drive down the highway without overdoing it RPM wise- 2200 to 2500 RPMS. thanks

Three speeds and four speeds both have direct in top gear.

Ed

According to the 1959 truck resto pack your truck rear end had a Regular Production Option RPO 3.70 and 3.38
You could find a 3.38 ring & pinion 3rd member and install in the axle housing and you could drive at 70-80 mph all day long.
The Resto pack does not seem to show the RPO number for the 3.38 RPO, Teeth 13-44

1959 Resto pack PDF page 41.
1959 CHEVROLET TRUCK OPERATOR'S MANUAL 1/2 Ton Rear axle ratio spec. (bottom of page)

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