The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3:55 rear end

What are your opinions of the 3:55 rear end for a 52, 1/2 ton? Would a basic wrench be able to do it? I don't see anything in the archives.

Glenn,

I have collected the parts but have not installed them yet. There is actually an installation article in the Tech Tips section I believe. Others that have done it say it was pretty straightforward.

It's easier than you think, Glenn. Patrick's has very good step-by-step directions included with the gears. I have an extra set of 3.55 gears here if you would like to look over the parts and instructions before ordering. Way back when I did mine, (early '90's when they first came out) I set the 3.55 gears up in another torque tube/carrier so that I could keep my stock 4.11's intact when I swapped the gears. That way, I figured if anything went wrong, or I didn't like the 3.55's, I could just swap back to the way it was. That old 4.11 has laid on the floor for almost 15 years now, I would never go back to it.

Thx Greg. I'll go to the tech tips. Barry I'll give you a call.

Glenn,

I have a set of 3.55 gears in my 41 1/2 ton with a early 60's 235 and would not trade them for anything. Stock torque tube and front disk brakes makes for a nice freeway cruiser. Gears are from Patrick's, great parts and great instruction's and phone help.

I hated their instructions, actually just the pictures. Instructions were good but the pictures looked like theyd been photocopied about 100 times over. Still got it done, and runs wonderfully.

Its pretty simple, the hardest part for me was reading the bluing on the ring gear teeth, didnt show up real well on the black of the tooth. Id suggest finding white lead or something similar rather then the bluing.

Go for it, its just money!

Jeff

As long as you have a good attention to detail, this swap is straight forward. I have done two to date, and both run VERY well. I too can be added to the "one of the best things to do" list.