| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,113 Posts1,056,279 Members48,439 | | 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!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 42 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 42 | Newbie here with a question about rear end gear ratios. Building a '50 3100 with a '57 235 and a 4-speed manual tranny. The current rear is too wide and is a 6-lug (front end is now a 5 lug). Looking for a rear from a 67 - 79 Camaro, Nova, etc. Wondering what is the best gear ratio. Truck will be a daily driver, I live in New England so many hills, but also will be in the highway frequently. Was hoping for your thoughts.
Thanks.
Newbie
1950 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 224 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 224 | That is a pretty comin topic around here. Do a topic search and read through some of the threads.
Most usually go for the 4.10 rear from 67-72 trucks.
Dave Baird 1951 Chevy 3803Foot starters are for Stovebolters and people who need a kick in the ...
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 | I went from 4.11 to 3.55. Great for local highway driving.
Craig My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,219 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,219 | go online and find a speed / rpm calculator, there are lots of them out there. Then figure the speed in which you plan to drive most in. Gear the truck so its in its power band at the speed you wish to drive. 235's are most efficient in the 2100 to 2300 rpm band. Gear it to high and the motor has to work to hard, to low and you are wasting rpm.
I would think a 3.08, 3.23, 3.42 would be about right with the 3.42 for real hilly and 3.08 for flatter ground.
I run a 3.08 with a 250 engine, its fairly flat and mostly highways so I can keep up at 70 pretty easy. Around town its a little doggy, but I can live with that. I changed out a 3.42 to the 3.08, highway driving was much easier and less stressful.
Joe
Last edited by Joe H; 09/09/2011 3:18 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | Previous topic Custom search Read through this to find more topics on the subject, post back what you find. Tire size is important too! | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | I think about 3.42 area would be about right. A lot depends on tire size but most are around 27-29in. in diameter.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
|
|
| |
