The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Would like a more friendly highway truck

I'm a newbie here, so bear with me. My 49 has the original rear end (4:10?/4:11?) What's the best way to put a higher rear end in it? Can I just change the gears? Passenger car rear end? I would really llike to do this before summer. Thanks for your input.

49 what? 1/2 ton? If so, see Patricks (scroll down through the catalog). They have a conversion kit to go to 3:55 in the original rear end which will allow you to cruise at highway speeds.

Or you can switch out the rear for a more modern one and go with an open driveshaft, if you're not trying to stay original.

welcome, this is one of the most discussed topics here. I agree with Paul, that's what I did too. There are more options but they aren't all that straight forward.

For what it is worth, make sure that you have enough brakes to stop it at highway speeds. The old trucks were not made to travel or stop to well at todays highway speeds.
Jim

Thanks again guys. It's a 3100. It's been fully restored to original except the bearings and rods were replaced in the 216. It's got 1100 miles on the motor now. I want it to look original, so I would like to keep the enclosed drive shaft. I even replaced the chrome wheels and new tires with powdercoated rims and chevy hubcaps. I've always been into old corvettes, so this is the first old truck I've had. I love it. I will look at Patricks.

Mothertrucker will beat Patrick's price on the R&P.

mothertruckeraz@aol.com

Well, I ordered everything from Patrick's. Gears, bearings, etc. The whole enchilada. I don't think any of the bearings are bad, but what the heck. He charged me less than his advertised price and it only took a couple of days to get it. Real nice guy, too. Took the time to answer a bunch of dumb questions from me.

That is a good move outwest nv. I have done several swaps for myself and other local bolters. If you need any help, let me know. I am in the process of writing up this swap for a technical tip.

I'd refer you to my Webshots page since I had the whole process there, but they are gone....

Can I jump in? I have a '54 3100, 4-speed -- all stock. I was wondering if there is a taller gear option for the stock rear than 3.55? I have 3.9 and would like to cruise the highways at a lower rpm.

Mt54,

There is no lower ratio gears that will fit inside that enclosed driveshaft.

Hi:

Just a thought, you said that the restoration was "fully restored to original" I have a 49 panel truck 3100, and the suspension and brakes on it are also original, and don't react well at high speeds, especially when encountering road hazards. Be very careful my friend!

God bless,

Dave

Ok, thanks Tim.