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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,089 Posts1,056,417 Members48,443 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 486 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 486 | I have a '57 3800 with 4.56 rear gears. I've located a yard with a 3/4 ton 4.10 HO52 rear. I've read some posts about this swap but I'm not well versed on differentials. Can I buy just the ring and pinion or do I need the entire rearend? I'll have to pay shipping so I don't want to get anything that I don't need. Any advice will be appreciated.
'64 swb stepside (gone)
'57 1 ton
'53 phone truck
'59 swb
'46 1 1/2 ton
'68 swb gmc
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | You'll need the entire third member, the part tha unbolts and drops out the front, but the rest will not be necessary.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 452 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 452 | As long as the rear is in decent shape, that's the easiest mod there is (you lucky b@#$d!) Get a set of new gaskets, unbolt the ujoint at the front of the pinion, unbolt the axle hub flanges, unbolt the pumpkin, reverse to install. It's heavier than just the R&P, but a lot easier. On my 3600 (if I could find the rear) I wouldn't even have to jack up the truck or remove the wheels. Just go underneath.
Good luck, and don't drop it on your toe.
Peter
Current fleet (subject to change w/o notice) \'49 GMC 3/4-Ton , 60 Austin Healey Frog-eye Sprite (some assembly required), 2011 Dodge Avenger, 2015 Jeep Cherokee. No, they don't all run. My other ride is a (B737)no, (B767)no, A320.... Update... was Embraer E190, now Boeing B787. Knowledge is a wonderful thing, but ignorance means you don't know you can't do something.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 48 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 48 | I don't think changing from a 4.56 to a 4.10 would be worth the trouble. I switched from a 5.14 to a 3.90 in my 47 one-ton and while theoretically I can go 75 mph with 17 inch wheels, it still drives like a tractor, just a nicer tractor. If you're looking for more driver-friendly performance, I'd suggest you look for a lighter (faster?) gear.
My 2 cts
BTW the swap wasn't much trouble.
Don't read the directions, that'd be too easy.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I changed out my 4.57 for a 4.10 and I can drive at 60 mph with no problem at all. For me it was the way to go. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | Fred, how come your truck had a 4.57 in it? I thought the 1 Tons were 5.14? I'm sure I read that mine was a 5.14 somewhere. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | That was a late night mistake!! Yes of course it was 5.14. Thanks for clearing that up.
Fred | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | 60mph!!!!!!
Yowsah!! I can honestly say, I have never had my truck past 55 mph.
That being said, before I put the portawalls on my Ponitac, I drove it to 75 mph on the flat one day. Then I decided that was too fast for the old girl, and never went more than 50, even through the rockies this summer.
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