The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Drive line mods

Would like to put some steeper gears into my 52' AD. I'll be pulling everything off the frame for a total restore in the next couple of weeks. Would like to get rid of the torque tube and go to an open shaft along with a 3:55 rear end or? What would be the process/ suggestion for my 235 with 3-on-the-tree. Also, I've heard that when you go this route to an open shaft you have the option with a simple hardware change (called a "flip") to lower the frame a couple of inches???
Thanks ahead of time.

I put a 3:55 gear F***-9 inch behind a 261 with 15 inch tires, and a saginaw 4spd, but the engine could pull a lower gear. Don't know what the RPM's are running, but plan to switch to a 3:00 I just got from the K.C. swap meet.

do a search under related topics as this has come up in discussion many times...
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi
rear end
drive train
drive line
differential
gearing ... etc
posted 19 August, 2005 10:05
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When you think trannys also think rear ends cause they're connected. The rear end will limit your overall hiway speed even after you installed that pretty new 4 speed. Here are several sites already discussed on 'the bolt' about determining rear end ratios for the type and gear box you're about to buy. just plug in the boxes and hit the calculate button.
Also consider when you find &/or have built a T5, you may be able to have one built using camaro guts installed into an S-10, depending on your pocket book. Many of us love the T5's and after getting mine built I will not have to worry about pulling a used tranny out to rebuild it... ever. I'm using a 12 bolt 6 lug Chevy 1977 burb rear end w/ 3.43:1, w/ big brakes. Your choices w/ that mid 70's vintage truck rear ends are 3.08, 3.43, 3.73 in 6 lug. There are many other choices. Your choice will be determined by where you live (mts, flat driving roads, hauling, trailer usage, speed & acceleration, etc.)
Have fun
Gooday
jim

see: http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=009842

http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi...d=results&record=2453602-095913-JBXJ

Thanks to Caroline's Truck, I am now aware of the "Search" link on the site. Duh! It's funny (that's the strange type) how one (that's me) can spend a few years off and on a great place like the Stovebolts and not have noticed this HUGE feature before. Thanks CT, great resource. I won't have to post the redundant stuff anymore.
-jeff

In my '64 Carryall 4x4 I'm running 3.55s in a Dana 60 with 35" tires, a '74 SM465 trans and a '74 NP205 Xfer case. Engine is a 383 stroker.
never use first gear on the street, altho the combo does take a mite of clutch work to start off in 2nd, however, I can cruise in 4th at 70-75 mph at mid-2K rpm. Gotta do the math..

Jeff,

Not seeing/using the search is not uncommon. Once you get used to it, you will check out a searh first - there is a lot of great information in old threads.

Your driveline sounds very nice - mid 2K rpm at 70-75 - Nice.

Tim