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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 | Hey everyone,
I have a 51 1/2 ton truck with a 250 motor in it. It has a closed drive (please forgive me, I am new to all this, so my question might be as confusing as I am confused).
I was told my stock tranny (SM420 4 speed on the floor) will move the truck pretty slow down the highway and won't achieve freeway speeds. I haven't yet driven my truck since I don't have any muffler in it yet and I am finishing the plumning for it.
I want to daily drive my truck and was told to do so I had to go with an open drive...Is this true?
Now for the question, which is the easiest way to do so and how to proceed with it?
Thank you for the help
Last edited by Rolling dices; 10/08/2010 5:19 AM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | The transmission isn't what would limit your highway speeds, it is the rear end ratio. The easiest way out is to keep the closed drive and install 3.55 gears, available from many vendors. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 | The transmission isn't what would limit your highway speeds, it is the rear end ratio. The easiest way out is to keep the closed drive and install 3.55 gears, available from many vendors. well, that sound like good news...sounds more like remove and replace type of thing. Any good vendors in particular that you would recommend? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | My personal choice is Patrick Dykes in AZ, but there are others. He'll talk to you on the phone too and offer plenty of free advice. http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/index.htm
Last edited by DrewP; 10/08/2010 12:37 PM.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | 3rd on the gear swap, and 2nd to call Patrick for them. From what I understand, while Richmond Gear actually manufactures them, all the vendors get them through Patricks, so going to the source would be the best bet.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 110 | Thank you everyone. I got in contact with Patrick and they are sending me a price of all the parts I need. I also found an installer closed to my house that comes with very high recommendations and at a very affordable price.
Thank you again, | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 348 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 348 | put a five speed and open drive it THE CUT MASTER | | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 86 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 86 | I found some 17 inch spoke wheels off a 38 chev for mine and it goes down the road plenty fast. | | |
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