The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Those 'Patrick's' gears - is it worth it?

Guys, I need some feedback from folks who have converted their truck's rearend with that new 3.55 assembly. Is it worth the 400$?

From what I have seen it really is. And my truck sure needs it. I really don't like the rpm's it runs on the freeway.

BTW, did you see that Whizzer panel truck posted in another thread?

TonyM, where is it???

Found it, nice truck!

Got mine two years ago - best investment and improvement yet.
Especially going down the freeway.
Makes the engine happier too - lower RPM at same speed.
Go for it - Unless you need your truck for pulling tree stumps...

I've been running the Patrick set up with the Saginaw 4 speed conversion. It works great. However you may want to investigate the use of a 5 speed out of a S10.

Installing the 3.55 rear wasn't worth it for me, but only because I didn't do my homework. I changed too many things at the same time. First off, I changed from a really tall (7.50x16) tire to a much shorter low profile tire to get the truck to sit lower. Net gain: nothing, in fact maybe even more RPM at cruising speed. Only after changing to an overdrive transmission and later 3.90 open rear did I get down to a comfortable cruising RPM - about 1900 RPM at 60 MPH.

Granted, with a stock Stovebolt a 15% reduction in RPM is better than nothing. You will be turning 2600 RPM instead of 3000 at the same highway speed. My experience, though, is that you need a more dramatic reduction in RPM to really be in the comfort zone of these old long stroke motors. When you get into building a more high performance engine with better breathing and more cam, the whole equation starts changing again, and you have to be aware of where your torque peak is and what gearing you need to optimize response at any given road speed. So to answer your question - it's a qualified "yes" but, plan ahead.

Whizzer, You have a nice original truck . The Patrick's gears would not change the look and would certainly allow you to enjoy driving it more..

Those 3:55's are the best money I spent on my truck. Spend the cash, do the work, and enjoy the ride...

I was considering doing this also for my '54 GMC but I was told unless you "really" know what you're doing there was too much of a chance of messing it up. Is this true or is that an old wives tale? Would someone with limited mechanical knowledge, such as myself, be able to bolt one in and do an acceptable job? How hard a job is this? Thanks! :confused:

54, You can do the job if you are patient and can follow directions. You do need a dial indicator, there is no room for guessing when setting the clearance between the ring and pinion.

Patrick gives good detailed directions and will gladly help you out on the phone if needed..I found the shop manual to be helpful also, don't start the job without having one open on your workbench..

My1 ton farm truck is not ready for road testing, but I think I will have to change my rear end gears.
Where can I get more info on the 3.55 greplacement gears and who sells them

I too, have the patrick gear along with the 4 speed saginaw conversion, truck runs really well,has howard cam also. real quick even with the 1 barrel carb, the 4 speed conversion works well,although at times on the interstate, IT FEELS LIKE IT COULD USE ANOTHER GEAR OR OVERDRIVE, my TRUCK is a daily driver and I have ran it 5 yrs without any problem, other then the problem with it dieing a while back, You guys helped out, I thouhgt it was the carb, had it rebuilt by recarbo. they did a good job but as a stovebolter suggested, the problem ended up being in the ballest(firewall coil resistor) that $4 part almost drove me crazy. sorry I got off the subject, It is a good deal.---- Fred

Fritz, I don't think they are available for the 1 ton.

On the 3/4 and 1 ton models, this has been documented pretty well by Oldcarkook on his web site.

I have a 53 1 ton panel. I changed the rear pumkin to 4.10,run 235/85/r16's and swapped in a T5 from a Camaro. I rebuilt a 261 and have a holley/weber 2bbl on it. I run 1900 at 55mph and with 2100 miles on the truck I'm getting 13-14mpg in town and 17-18 on road trips. Clutch and tranny cost about $250 and the rear end was $150.
Most of my driving is at 45-50mph with rpms in the 1500-1650 range.
I guess you just have to balance costs vs. labor time. My setup was an easy job.

Am I correct that this conversion to 3.55 is intended for those with an enclosed driveline and 4.11 gears in a 1/2t ?

What are you guys doing for better breaking when you get your AD's going at freeway speeds (70+ MPH?)? I remember drum brakes fading and doing absolutely nothing when trying to stop. It scared the heck out of me. I'll be installing a dual reservoir master cylinder and new break lines but that doesn't solve the fading problem.

my brakes work real good, I just pay more attention to what I am doing when I drive the truck.....Fred

Am I correct that this conversion to 3.55 is intended for those with an enclosed driveline and 4.11 gears in a 1/2t ?

cmayna, That is correct...

53 4 ME,
Thanks for the clarification. Since I'll need to get another torque-tube driveline setup (which I've just found locally here in SF Bay Area)I might go the Patrick's route before I install the 3:55 before installing in my beast.

Craig

The brakes in my truck work as good as any brakes I ever had. Actually better than the ones in my 87 Fjord. (When it was still running). But I drive my truck like I drive all trucks with safety and stopping distance in mind. Also, I am not planning to go 70mph, but 55 to 60 cruising speed would make me feel a lot better on CA freeways.

Brake fade usually doesn't happen until the brakes have been used several times in a row without allowing a chance to cool. Go slow when you come down out of the mountains and don't ride your brakes.

P.S. Hey Craig, are we on for the March Goodguys? My turn to buy breakfast, you buy the beer...

Oh boy....Just came back from that wild 49er game. My heart is still pounding...

I agree with Tony M and other about the brakes. All I want is another 10 mph faster. As little as I use the freeway, I'm not too worried about braking. Besides my brakes work better than my regular family cars.

Tony, Your're on, though I might not have my truck with me since I'm seriously considering tearing my truck down for a new paint job and chrome job. Nevertheless, I'll be there.

Craig