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| | | Forums66 Topics128,162 Posts1,056,950 Members48,458 | | 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!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 10 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 10 | I would like to keep the foot start and "3 on the tree" on my 53 3100 with a 54 235 engine. Would it be a simple fix to lower the rpm's at 50 mph? Maybe change the rear end gears or the whole pumpkin? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | If you are asking if taking out an original 4-speed rear-end and replacing it with an original 3-speed rear-end, there will be no change in RPM - both have 1:1 drive in high gear.
The 3.55 Ring & Pinion conversion sold by Patrick's is one way to lower RPMs (you have a 4.11 rear end).
I do not know about a way to change the "whole pumpkin" (maybe someone else will post a reply on this). You could change out the drive-shaft and the rear-end/axle/etc (which would necessitate a change in transmission, because you would be eliminating the torque-tube).
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | IF you eliminate the torque tube rearend you can use the pumpkin from 55 up thru somewhere in the 60's. I used a 56 pumpkin and went from 4.11 to a 3.90. Not the best but and improvement.
...and I have read the post about the 3.55 ring/pinion set from Patricks...BUT I have read that a rearend from a Dodge Dakota already has a 3.55 rearend but not sure what year. But, as mentioned it would mean changing the tranny since the torque tube is gone.
I wish I had know about the Dakota rearend as I could have used it on my panel...if the width is good.
Just idea's here so hope some of this helps. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 1 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 1 | Hey Baby53, Check out #843901 posted 4/14/12. This is a terrific deal & would be an easy bolt-in for you. Dickb10 | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | IF you eliminate the torque tube rearend you can use the pumpkin from 55 up thru somewhere in the 60's. I used a 56 pumpkin and went from 4.11 to a 3.90. Not the best but and improvement.
...and I have read the post about the 3.55 ring/pinion set from Patricks...BUT I have read that a rearend from a Dodge Dakota already has a 3.55 rearend but not sure what year. But, as mentioned it would mean changing the tranny since the torque tube is gone.
I wish I had know about the Dakota rearend as I could have used it on my panel...if the width is good.
Just idea's here so hope some of this helps. The problem with using a Dakota rearend is the oddball bolt pattern. While it is 6 lug (depending on year, some ealy Dakotas are 5 lug), it is the 6x4.5 pattern. Somewhat difficult to get wheels for. The 5 lug variant uses the common Ford/MoPar 5x4.5 pattern, much better wheel availability.
Bill Burmeister | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Bill, thanks for adding knowledge to this thought....it does give another "option" though. | | |
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