The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rear End Gear Change

Would like to increase my top end by swapping out the rear-end gears on a 54 3100 half-ton. I assume I have stock ratio. What ratio do you all recommend? I'd like to be able to drive on the freeway without a slow-moving vehicle sign on the rear. :-)
Also, can any garage do the work or do I need a specialist, and where's a good place to get the gears?

Thanks!!

Bruce,
You can buy the gears from a vendor like Jim Carter or just go direct to Patrick's. Warning: they aren't cheap, and, if you have a garage do the install, that won't be cheap either. On a '54 I believe you need the spool out of a '47 -'53 diff. If your drive line is still stock you have a 3:90.1 The 3:55.1 isn't going to be that big of a difference for the $$$ you're going to spend. (this coming from a purist who would never advocate hacking up the drivetrain)!

Do you run 16" wheels and tires on your truck? If not I'd strongly advocate running 215/16 radials. they are a tall narrow 16" tire that looks great, will fit the stock rim, and will be a little taller that the stock 6.00/16.

Stingray

I had 4:11's in my '50 that actually came out of my '53 and replaced them with patrick's 3:55. Did all the work myself and what a difference it makes for cruising down the highways of San Francisco Bay Area.

Keep in mind that the faster you want to go, the better your brakes should be to stop you. I restored my drums and now wish I installed disc's on the front.