The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Higher ratio gears for 1949 3/4 4-speed?

I'll be starting to restore a 1949 3/4 ton 4-speed updated with a "59 235. Can you give me some ideas to make this truck more street friendly. I want to keep it as near stock as possible but also need to drive it on the freeway occasionaly for my business. I looked at Patrick's gears but , as you know, he has nothing for the 3/4 ton. -Thanks

I just put a 4:11 ratio rear pig/pumpkin in my 51 chevy 3/4 ton have not run it on highway yet, it came out of a 70 3/4 ton chevy my 3rd pig removeall first 2 where 4:57 same as I had.
1967 to 1972 3/4 or 1 ton with automatic will bolt in. Also it is said some surbans with big block motor and automatic trans came with 3:73 I took the back cover off 2 but the # on the pinion shaft told me they where also 4:11, still looking. hope this helps Bill

4d9r,
Hey I'm a season ticket holder for that team. What gears are you currently running? If you need 4:11's I have some slightly used ones I'll give to a fellow niner fan.

I'm changing my 1/2t from 4:11 to 3:55's. Since you obviously don't care who wins this years Super Bowl, how about coming down 101 and helping me with my rear end change over?

Hope somebody will chime in and answer your question.

The 1/2 ton gears won't work in a 3/4 ton.

If you want to stay as stock as possible, the only option is to locate a differential from a 64-72 3/4 ton. Most with automatics had 4.10 gears. There were a few blazers with 3.90s, but not many to be found. You can then swap the center carrier into your differential.

The only other options are
1. Put a later model differential in, they are about 4" wider, so you have to find wheels with the right setback, which is a challenge.
2. Install a second gearbox with overdrive gears.
3. Put on taller tires, but the gain is usually only about 5%.
4. Turn the truck into a 1/2 ton with a differential and IFS that takes you to either 5 or 6 bolt wheels.