The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts up and running

At long last, I have my 52 Chevrolet 2 ton up and running. It feels great to be behind the wheel of one of these beautiful old behemouths.
But.....
When I first drove a 52 2 ton, more years ago than I want to think about, that truck- a reefer, ran along nicely at 50-55 mph. My present truck, also a 2 ton, also a 235 with a 4 speed/2 speed axle is straining at the gills doing 35-38 mph, and this is in 4th gear high range. It almost feels as though there must be a 5th gear somewhere, but nowhere in the gear train can I find another notch.
Did Chevrolet build some of theres with a super low speed rear end, even with a 2 speed; or is there another solution? I'm stumped!
Sam the Meat Man
1952 Chevrolet 2 ton

I'm a rookie, but that sounds unlikely that a truck wouldn't be capable of speeds greater than that. Are the wheels stock height? If so then I would re-think the 2speed hi, maybe somehow you are still in low?

It may be back years ago you were more interested in making time and not as concerned about possible overreving. Now your concern is possible damage to truck. Congradulations on getting it running. My cousin has a GMC that reuputedly has Hyway gearing. don't know what ratio that would be. Had a 48 1 ton that would easily run 60mph I had no concerns about blowing it up at the time.

:DThat's exactly what I was thinking! The truck's no longer to make money, now the goal is preservation.

From what I have been able to understand, so far, my truck has a low speed rear end, and was specifically designed for farm work.
My options are yo leave it like it is, and take forever to get around, or to put a higher speed rear end in it.
An old time mechanic confirmed what kb3csw had noted, there were indeed rear ends that allowed 50+mph speeds.
What would another rear end cost, and where might I find one?
Sam
52 Chevrolet 2 ton

Hi Sam. I just picked up a 53 2 ton and although I really haven't run it on the highway, it does run down the road at 50 or so with no real strain. From the way it sounds at that speed, it should "Cruise" at 55 or 60 with no problem. Granted, it's not like a car, but I expected it to be a bit noisy at speed. I would agree that it sounds like you are still in low range, but no expert here....That's just how mine sounds when in low at those speeds...

SamTTM couldn't find turbotville on the map but there are still a few pull your own parts yards in Pa. one comes to mind up at Hazleton and another just off the NE extentsion near Jim Thorpe. cost I have no idea or whether they would have any big bolts. Are you certain the 2 speed portion is working properly?there should be a noticable change in the rpm when you go from low to high

Is it possible there is a factory govenor on it?

My 1st thought was also that I was in low range, but I can definately feel the shift as I go from low to high, and can also note the rpm change. I have even been a bit creative and tried some split shifting (using the transmission and 2 speed in combination shifting).
The thought of a governor had occured to me, so I will check that out.
KB3csw, I am sure you are thinking of Harry's U-Pull-It; the place isn't all that far from me, and I even know a guy who used to work there, so that is a good lead.
Rick, thanks for the affirmation. Although it has been almost 40 years since I drove that old reefer, I knew she did better than my present 35-38 mph.
Sam
52 Chevrolet 2 ton (Schuyler)

Yes harry's is it went by there today. It looks like they are cleaning up the one down by Jimthorpe. They had a B model Mack wrecker there that was always calling.