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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,076 Posts1,055,924 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 | I am considering upgrading my stock rear end to be able to cruise at freeway speeds and increase gas mileage. I am thinking about a 3.38:1 ring and pinion gear set in addition to a new installation kit for it. Is there one out there (a different ratio)that might be better suited for what I'm trying to accomplish? What is the best source out there (price and quality)? What has been your experience with a gear ratio upgrade? Thanks in advance for your input. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 | I went with Patrick's 3:55 gear set and it worked our just fine. Is this assuming you are keeping an enclosed driveline? If so, I didn't know anyone made 3:38 gears for our AD's. Then again, I have been a little out of touch for awhile.
Craig My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 | Mine be a Task Force ('56). Driveline will remain stock on it. By the way, nice looking truck you have there!  | | | | | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 15 | Try Chevy duty. They have a 3.38 kit. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | I,ve put the 3.38 in & used the install kit. Just the right ratio for those trucks. You still have the original axle that way without doing a lot of modification. It comes with good insructions. I can,t say how hard it is because i,ve been rebuilding them for 50 years. You know if you need help there are plenty of fellow stovebolters here to help.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 285 | Thanks to all for the great advice. Think the 3.38 is the way to go! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,682 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,682 | So we're talking about a gear swap in the rear?
an idea is only stupid if you think about it rationally.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 343 Member | | Member Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 343 | I want to do a gear swap in my 54 GMC to improve highway speeds and gas milage as well, but I read some where that there are not kits available for the GMC rear end. Is this true? Also is there an easy way to ID what rear end is in my truck? The PO had already switched the Engine to a 261 and the hydramatic to a SM420, so he may have changed the rear end as well.
1954 GMC 1/2-ton Longbed
1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 | GMC axles should be the same as Chebby. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 16 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 16 | I have a 54 GMC 100 and in these hills, my 3.55 may be better than the 3.18.. | | |
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