The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk safe hiway speed on a 46 with new rear end gears?

what would be a good safe hiway speed in a 46 1/2 ton 216 with 16in wheels and jim carters new ring and pinion set looking for around 60 tops to keep up in traffic is all thoughts?

What size tires and is the gear set the original ratio?
I don't currently have a working speedometer and I don't yet have the cajones to hop on the interstate but I've had no trouble keeping up with slower traffic on state highways in my 51 1/2T (216/3spd/4.11/16x7.75" sidewall) ... figure most slow drivers do +/-60 w/a 55mph limit. To be honest, I'm more concerned about stopping or maneuvering quick enough should something happen in front of me.

If you drive like you were taught to and don't tailgate you won't have any problems with or without the gears.

I have driven all over Dallas in a stock setup 55 3200 with no problems.

I regularly drive 55-60 with my stock '51 1/2T Suburban (but with 235 motor) My only real problem on the interstate is that people will come up along side and blow the horn so they can give me a thumbs up. I usually drive with the window down, and it just scares the * out of me when someone does that.

I just wave and keep on driven'

Totally agree about keeping a good distance between my front bumper and the next guy.

Kurt

Tailgating isn't an issue with me. State Hwys in my area have cross streets and I have had issues with people cutting me off in order to get around me, the slower vehicle, just so they can make an immediate left turn.
Then there are the ones who sit and wait while you approach only to pull out right in front of you no matter which lane you're in.
There's also a deer problem in the areas west of StL. Ever had a 50mph encounter w/a deer in any modern vehicle? Stopping very quickly and/or swerving hard are sometimes your only options. Heck, its scary enough in my daily driver which is corner balanced, has 32-way electronically adjustable damping, 24mmF and 27mmR thick sway bars, four piston calipers, 295X25 front rotors and 8.5" wide wheels ... I imagine my 51 could roll in the same situation.

I have 5200 miles on my 49 Suburban including a couple of 500 mile plus trips. 283/TH350/2:73. I have no problem keeping up with traffic even on the Interstate. Anything over 60 requires constant attention on what is going on in front of you. If you are going to go much over 55 you need good brakes and positive steering. I have found that the Suburbans/Panels with their higher center of gravity do not handle well in a stiff crosswind at speeds much over 55. Pickups might be OK. Like oldbluetruck says interval is the key. I also think that the aerodynamics of these old trucks do not lend themselves to the higher speeds. They were just not built to go fast. They were meant to do chores around the farm. However this is only my opinion.


Weeds

I've done a few 1-2hr drives and I much prefer taking the long way when I'm in the truck. Less traffic and I can just cruise at what ever speed feels comfortable.

A top speed of 60 mph sounds reasonable with those gears as long as your front end and rear end steering/suspension parts, brakes, bearings, tires and wheels are all rebuilt or in very good condition. Check the wheel rivets for bad rust. Sway bars and radial tires make a big difference. Been driving my 54 1/2 ton all over the western USA since 1974 and loving it. I use and recommend 3 point seat belts for driver and shotgun and lap belts for center seat. You don't want to get up close and personal with that steering wheel or fly out the door. Don't drive like all the fast crazies or tailgate and you should have many miles of fun highway driving.

I still have the 4:11 rearend and 3 speed in my '46 and I don't like to go over 50. Having said that, since you changed over to the 3:55 gear, I would think 55 mph would be acceptable as far as the running gear goes. However, as you and others have already stated, you have to drive, brake and prepare accordingly for the unexpected.