The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop transmisson options

I would like to keep my 51 pickup original with 3 on the tree instead of four on the floor. Which do you think is better for on highway driving.

Both will be about the same. High gear is the same ratio, 1:1.

All early model transmissions are direct in top gear, you can install an overdrive for a better highway gear.

Your highway cruise is limited by your rear end. There's not much you can do in swapping gears if you want to stay stock.

Your highway cruise is limited by your rear end. There's not much you can do in swapping gears if you want to stay stock.

Put in a 3.55 rear-end gear set from Patrick's. This will make about a 15% difference. It is not stock but it would still look stock.

"Original" and "highway driving" are ok if by highway driving you mean going down duncan highway at 35 mph with some hay bails. If you mean "Freeway" driving then the engine will be screaming at 55mph and you might consider rear end gears, taller wheels/tires or an overdrive. 4 speeds in these old trucks are generally a lower gear for pulling out tree stumps.

On the Patrick's rear-end upgrade. Do you need to buy both the all ratio's ring & pinions and the ring & pinion installation kit?

What is the difference? Is one just the gears and the other include bearings, seals, and what-not?

The picture of the instalation kits shows it all. I was confused. I would also like to install this in my 53 - which will stay with the enclosed rear-end.

Thanks

Dennis,

There is only one ring & pinion conversion option for an enclosed drive shaft 1/2 ton 1947-1955 GMC/Chevrolet truck - the 3.55 gear set from Patrick's (other vendors also sell this set, but it comes from Patrick's).

This kit converts the original 47-53 4.11:1 enclosed drive-shaft rear-end to a 3.55:1 enclosed drive-shaft rear-end. For 1954 1/2 tons, which have 3.90:1 rear ends, a 47-53 ring-gear carrier is needed - but the same 3.55 gear set is used (an enclosed drive-shaft was still used on 1/2 ton GM trucks in 1954).

Patrick's also sells an installation kit - in my opinion, this is a necessity.

Tim

Thanks Tim.

I went to patrick's web site and the pinion/gear set is $399 and there was the installation kit for $299. The installation kit has a link to a picture. This had everything in it. Pinion gear and all the seals/bearings etc. So. Short of calling patrick - I was wondering if you or anyone had installed this and purchased both products. This would put the cost at around $700 plus shipping.

Is this what you are talking about?

I am just putting pencil to paper on cost. Thank you.

I am counting my nickels.

Dennis,

I have installed this gear set on my Suburban and will be installing it on my enclosed-driveshaft Hydra-Matic '54 1/2 ton pick-up in the future. Several other people who post here have also done the conversion - SWEET has a very nice photo log/tutorial on the installation.

Patrick's pictures on the web site causes confusion. Wait until you look at the pictures on his instruction set (copies of copies).

- Order directly from Patrick's - Make your order over the phone.
- Ask to speak with Patrick (he is a good guy - his son is a good guy, too).
- If he does not make the offer of a discount, ask about a discount, especially if you buy both the gear-set and the installation kit.
- Ask if all the parts are in stock and ready to ship.

Tim

As always. Thank you Tim.

I was waiting to take the rear apart until I cleared this up.

I am counting my pennys and trying to stretch them in the best way and right direction.

Thanks again.

You gotta really want to be "original" to spend 700.00 on a gear set. I bought my complete 10 bolt for $50, my 3.73 gear set for $115, and had it installed for $120, total $285. Unless one is in competition no one will notice the difference. Just another idea for you to chew over.

Howdy fellow Dallasite.

I like your idea but believe that if I took your route it may cost a lot more than the $400 difference.

You may be right on that. You would have to change spring hangers and a new driveshaft ($100, and it's like the wife out doing a little shopping... it never ends.

Hi, I too am thinking about doing the gear swap. I already have a posi rear end out of a 60's suburban, and also a 4 speed with overdrive. I'm thinking that swapping all that will be far more expensive than the 800 or so for the gear set. I would also probably be having all this work done by a shop. What do you guy's think? I'm just not sure what to do. Thanks

Look on line and see what is involved in swapping gears. If you don't have a shop with the right tools and some experience and patience let a pro do it for you.

I'm sorry, what I meant to say, was that I have the rear end,and 4speed just sitting in my pole barn waiting to go in my stock 51. I have a 61' 235 with the stock three on the tree. I was just thinking the gear swap would probably be cheaper and quicker than having to swap all that stuff. Thanks