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| | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 42 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 42 | If so, what rear do you have in it and specifically how does it cruise on the highway and at what speed?
Thanks.
Newbie
1950 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | It would have a 4.10 in it and it would cruise the same as a three speed.
DG
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | It would have a 4.10 gear a 3100 and with an SM420 you would be driving it in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear and your cruise speed would be the same as the three speed.
You would have no need for 1st gear unless you were hauling a full load of gravel or pulling stumps, and you would have the extra embarrassment of slamming the person sitting in the middle of the seat in the crotch when ever you shifted into 1st and 3rd.
DG
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
I have used the stock 4.11 1948 1/2 ton rear end, a 3.90 1954 1/2 ton rear end, and the 3.55 Patrick's conversion rear gears in a few 1954 1/2 ton trucks.
I had always thought that the 1st gear was for driving up the wall of a barn, or driving in a very slow parade, or winning the slowest truck race (at a show or fair). That is, until I had to pull a VW beetle out of a steep ravine (in 1970).
As stated above, 4th gear is 1:1, so your top speed is more a function of rear gears. The 3.55 conversion for 47-55 1/2 ton trucks is one way to get higher speeds (or lower RPM). You can easily cruise at 65 mph, and you can feel safe if you have good brake parts, and all good parts in the steering/front-end/suspension. And, you must have good adjustment of brakes and good adjustment of steering/alignment.
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