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| | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1 | hello everyone i just bought a 1958 APACHE short bed sidestep, with a 283 and 3 on the tree. my top speed on the highway is like 60-65 mph i want to know if i can change the gearing in the rear-end to something higher to get more speed and to lower my rpms. if so what ratio ring and pinion would i need and other parts.
Daniel Vitulli
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 93 Member | | Member Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 93 | Hi Daniel, I just bought a 57 with a 6 cyl and 4 speed. I haven't even gotten it yet but expect to have the same problem as you. I know Patrick's sells rear end kits with just about any ratio you want but they will set you back $650 or so including the installation kit. That seems kind of pricey to me but is probably the easiest way to go. I'll be following this thread to see what others think. Regards, Don | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | 3.38 is the ratio available, Patricks or any shop that specializes in rear ends - larger diameter tires can give you another 5mph at the same rpm, and you could also find an OD trans, either original style or newer 4/5 speed with OD top gear, which will be a cheaper solution and still gives good low end power
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 5 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 5 | try finding a rear end from early 60'sonly 1 inch wider than yous and better ratio selection. | | |
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