The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop do I need a different engine (235) - newbie

I am going to try and restore my first truck. I have a 1954 3600 with I am guessing a 235.

I understand that this engine will not get much speed on todays roads. I don't need to go 70mph, but can I change the gearing or other things that will get me going 60 or so, or would I have to get a different engine?

Thanks ahead of time. I am sure I will have many other questions.

You had better be young because it's going to take you a long long time and lots of elbow grease to get this truck restored.

Everybody here has had the same problem. The truck revs to high on the highway. Do a search for " t5 trans" and you will get tons of info on how to retrofit your truck with a 5sp "late" model transmission. The hard part is finding a good trans with the right ratios. Then the harder part is installing it correctly and dealing with speedo drives et.....

Hey Don,

Welcome to the Stovebolt Page. If you have a full pressure 235, there are many folks on this page that will tell you to keep it. I am running my 216, and in town, it works just fine. If your 235 runs, I would keep it for now.

Have you done other cars? If it is not too basic, buy the book "How to restore your Chevrolet Pickup" by Tom Brownell. I bought it and it helped me get a plan going. The book also talks about ways to speed up your truck too.

Ask tons of questions. Use the links section. The knowledge on here is unreal. Lots of smart people on here.

And post pictures....we just love pictures.

The T-5 swap is a good one but it alone doesn't help your highway speed. The problem is your low geared rear end.
Use the search function of this forum to find threads about rear end swaps. There are bunches of them.

Your 3600 should have a 4.56 rear ratio. The "pumpkin" (differential and carrier) is swapable with ANY 3/4 ton full-floating rear from 1946 - 1972. Look for the 67-72 3/4 tons with the 4.11 rear and bolt it in. Check Jim Carter's tech pages for more info. The best part, you don't even have to jack the truck to change the rear gears.

If you are going to drive an old truck at 60mph, I'd suggest you to pay some attention to the brakes, suspension, and steering. These things need to be in good condition to be safe at those speeds.

I just bought a 4.10 from a wrecking yard because I have the same top end problem. Be sure you check ratios before pulling it. Not all '67-72 automatic 3/4 tons have the 4.10. I went through 3 before I found one-the others had 4.57's like the one I'm replacing. You can find the numbers on the pinion shaft-along with dates etc you will see something like "7 32" which means 7 pinion teeth and 32 ring gear teeth. 32/7 = a 4.57 rear end. The donor I ended up with is 41/10 or 4.10 ratio. I'm currently trying to locate seals so the thing won't leak.

Don Welcome to the 'bolt. What part of michigan are you in? Let me know if you ever get to the ST. Joe / Benton Harbor area.

Thanks

Thanks to all for your comments. I had heard from others that the rear end might be a good idea.

I know this project will likely take forever, but I am not in a hurry. Rest assured at higher speeds I am making sure that all of the parts are in top shape.

I flying blind as I am not overly knowledgable, but have always wanted to try a restoration. This site seems like it will help a lot.

Brian M. Lansing area

I'm a newbie too, my 1st project, and these people have been extremely helpful. I'm loving the help, and hope to be able to repay some newcomer in the future....great site! Good luck on the project...

Welcome Don. Don't let these guys scare you off. I was in your boat about 5 years ago. I learned everything as I went along. It's not that hard, it just takes time.

This is the place to be for all your questions, we are all here to help where we can. A first restoration can be frustrating but don't give up you'll have a real sense of accomplishment when it's all done. Check out my truck in the Gallery under 41-46 and you can see what I have done on my first restoration project.

Enjoy
George Wells