Hello all, I'm new to Big Bolt as I recently purchased a '58 4400 from VEW. I plan on using the truck as is and making some changes as time go on. The first real question is that of gearing, the research that IU have done so far shows the truck has a 6.19 rear end. Would it be better to look for a two speed rear or say an OD trans? I have another truck with a NV4500, that transmission seems like a good choice if I was going that direction.
Any advice will be very welcome. Thanks.
Last edited by TUTS 59; 07/25/20231:56 PM.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
Come Bleed or Blister, something has got to give!!! | Living life in the SLOW lane
depending on how you are going to use it, you may be better off getting an over/under brownie box to put in it. Either way, you want a park brake on the driveshaft, after the last gearbox. (right now, it is on the trans, you would need one on your NV4500, or on the brownie box)
Good looking old truck! I will be following I'm nearing the end of my build. (Lol first stage) My 7500 is extremely low geared also. In the future I may do some upgrades myself.
I know there are no ring and pinion options for changing the rear gear ratio. I have seen where others have used rear axels from late model donor trucks, that .ay be an option but not in the near future. A transmission swap could be done easily enough but I will need to research the parking brake. Thanks for the welcome, I have always wanted a "Big Bolt".
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400 "The Book of Thor" Read the story in the DITY 1960 Chevrolet C10 "A Family Heirloom" Follow the story in the DITY Gallery '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting)
Come Bleed or Blister, something has got to give!!! | Living life in the SLOW lane
Until you're ready to replace the entire driveline you should stick with what you have. The trans, rear and tires that are on the truck were engineered to allow the 235 to work at it's best power range. As it sits now it should be a 55 mph truck (or something close to that) and it should be able to move the max GVW from a dead stop.
Hy TUTS 59, welcome to the world of Big Bolts! Although I have no personal experience with the NV4500, I have heard that they make a good overdrive transmission for our larger trucks. The other way to achieve more speed with the same R.P.M. would be to put on larger diameter tires. I hope you enjoy your new Big Bolt.
