The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3600 rear end question

I did a search on this topic but didn't locate an answer to my question. Can anyone tell me the manufacturer or other helpful info about the stock rear end in my '57 3600? It's an eight lug, 10 bolt, 4:57. I understand that there are later model C20 trucks that used this same rear end but with better gears (freeway better: read higher or lower?) that I am trying to source and knowing who made this thing (eg: Dana or Eaton) might be helpful. Thanks, Don from So Cal...

Eaton HO52

Hy orchidskip, if you go to the search function, and type in "better gears for 3/4 ton", a tech tip will come up and a lot of other posts/discussion about this subject, hope that helps.

sorry for butting in here - but I've never had much luck with the search function (I'm sure my 7yr old could do much better), so when I saw what you told him to type in I wanted to try it. I get 1000 results (where's the tech tip?) and can't seem to find much at all about the rear end he's talking about at least in the first 2 pages. Am I just completely clueless about how to work this search function?

Hy InOverMyHead, I'm not very good at computer stuff myself, and I don't think I ever will be. Because you had problems with my instructions, I tried it again myself, I see there are two "search" areas, I used the uppermost one, the one on the same line as The Forums is on, I typed in better gears for 3/4ton, and clicked on search, the first item that showed up on the page of info, was the Tech Tip, hope that helps.

I give up. I did it again too - I think its the same. The first line I got was "this" posting. The first few lines I get look something like this:

Your search for 'better gears for 3/4 ton' returned 1000 results.
Subject Forums Poster Posted
Re: 3600 rear end question
The Engine & Driveline Shop 3B 07/11/09 10:39 AM
Re: Removing the 1 Ton front wheel
Tons 'o Fun Jackyl 07/11/09 08:41 AM
PAINT OR PATINA, your opinion please
Paint and Body Shop ken wisniewski 07/11/09 08:24 AM
brake parts
Truck Parts Wanted katrina 07/11/09 06:04 AM
brake parts
Big Bolts katrina 07/11/09 06:03 AM
brake parts
General Truck Talk katrina 07/11/09 06:01 AM
Re: 6.6L Duramax into 65 K20
The HiPo Shop 65 WonTon 07/11/09 02:15 AM


Where is the tech tip - or is this different from what you see (god, I feel so stupid at this stuff)

3B used the search at the very top of the page, to the right of The Forums and to the left of the Hoo-Ya Shop link - this is a Google search of Stovebolt.com or all Internet resources.

InOverMyHead used the search lower down, to the right of Forum List, just to the left of FAQ - this is a search of Stovebolt.com. Try +better +rear +gears +3/4 +ton - this swill only give you 655 threads to read through.

Google uses a different search methodology than does the UBB search "engine" (UBB threads is the brand of bulletin board software used by Stovebolt.com).

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/tranny/bonds/index.html

If continue to have problems with any part of the Page then report them to the administrater so it can be checked. I don't always find the subject matter quickly but darn near everything is in there so keep looking. And tclederman is right about the Google search area. Keep trying, it's in there.

I don't know - seems like the search function is working perfectly, just my computer skills that need polishing I guess. Thanks

Have a look at this:

http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0276.html

That should give you what you need.

What rearend did the pre 55 GMC trucks have? When did the switch to Spicer take place?
Thanks.

'48 to '54 are the same as '55 to abut '70 on the 3/4- and 1-ton trucks. The Dana was an option starting about 1970 and the GM 14-bolt replaced the Eaton about '73.

Re the above link: He says there is a company that is making gears for the 3/4 ton trucks but I sure haven't found it. Has anyone? In any event, I'm searching for a third member 4:10 or whatever it is from a 68 to 72 3/4 ton auto trans as was suggested. I have a couple possible sources. Thanks all...

Far as I know that company never got a product to market.

Check out www.67-72chevytrucks.com You should be able to find some 4.10 gears for the eaton HO52/72 fairly easily.

Good Luck!
Dan M.

I learn something new every day...when I feel like it! I talked with Brian (see this month's gallery) and he referred me to a couple of resources for a third member from a '68 to '72 3/4 ton auto trans truck. In turn I was sent to this website http://67-72chevytrucks.com/ where I registered and looked in "'67 to '72 parts for sale". (that was before the above reply and you were right Dan!) Found a guy in Arizona with a couple of rear ends that will work for my application with 4:10 gears. Says he will sell for $175 plus shipping. To be continued...

Thanks to the patience of y'all coaching this here rookie...
Update: I was able to obtain a 4:11 from a guy in Arizona who parted out a '68 3/4 ton for $175. Fedex for $70 but at 120lbs, it had to go to a business so I had him send it to my buddy, Bill Sylvia aka Gear Man who has a differential shop here in Orange County (714)537-9495. He inspected it and said it was totally unmolested. No evidence it had ever leaked and the gears had factory mill marks. He did a slight adjustment that took moments. I installed. Just got back from a test drive. I can still take off in 2nd but it winds out much further making it feel like a more normal driving experience. My speedo is not accurate due to taller wheels and this change. Used to scream 4k at about 50. Now I'm around that at 60 (actually 65?) and it's quieter with more room to go faster. As I pushed the envelope, (close to the sound barrier I'm sure) I got a little shaking, probably from those rear duallies not being properly balanced and with crummy tires. When I get new tires and balanced it will probably smooth out. I spent $245 and I can say it's an upgrade worth double that. A guy could probably seek out a Dana from a Dodge or some such, fab up new perches and do better if he could get the rear end cheap. Anyways, I'm happy as a Labrador Retriever with a tennis ball. Next up: power steering... Thanks all!