The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop BEST gear ratio for 235 diff swap: 3:41 or 3:08?

What are you guys' thoughts on what the best rear end ratios are for all-around driving for a swap from a 3:90 torque-tube to GM 10 bolt on a 1954 Chevy 235 half-ton?
I have a choice of an original GM10 bolt ratio of 3:08 or another with 3:41 and yet another with 3:73 gears! What would be the best balance for all-around driving highway, occasional light hauling and around town....?

Depends on the tranny. Are you gonna go with a Overdrive T5 5 speed or keep the 3 or 4 speed? If your going w/ 5 speed, the 3.73 will be best. IF your gonna go w/ 3 or 4 speed I'd use the 3.42. Just MY2¢

I agree. 3.41 is about right without o-drive & 28- 29 inch diameter tires.

try this site
you do the math that fits your situation
http://www.smokemup.com/auto_math/index.php
http://www.smokemup.com/auto_math/mph_range2.php

Try thinking of it this way: in 55' the standard shift cars came with 3:70 ratio. OD 3sp trannys were 4:11. And that was a car equiped with either the 123HP 6 cylinder or the fancy new 162HP V8. In 57' the standard rear became a 3:55 for a car w/o OD. The tire diameters were smaller then too than what most of us use today.

This was all figured out by qualified folks who did their homework. (on sliderules) I still use mine occasionally.

Thanks all but now I'm more confused than I was before!
I think I'll do the 3:41 (3:42) Anyways I'll avoid the sliderule and pocket calculator for now....
BTW the truck is gonna have a '56 Muncie 3 speed set up for the original three-on-the-tree. That'll match the '56 235 under the hood which replaced a '42 216 some misguided soul put in to replace the original 54 235. A lot of bad happens in 50 years.
If anyone is interested I will soon have available a completely rebuilt 54 Muncie 3 speed (with brand new speedo drive gears, really hard to find!) brand new torque tube U-joint assembly including ball housing and a very good running torque tube rear end with a new Okie bushing, comepletely serviced brakes and new axle seals. My loss is your gain.