VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Rear-end suggestions?

Our 1950 1/2 ton is stripped to the chassis and we're at the point where we have to decide whether to replace the 4.11 rear end, or to leave it as is. We are trying to restore as much of the truck to original condition as we can, but as we want to ensure a comfortable ride on the highway, we are considering a different ratio. I have seen a number of posts regarding gears, RPMs and speeds for different cars and years, and I'd like to know if there is an "acceptable standard" option for this type of replacement in our 3100? Also, does anyone have any strong opinions either way on this? I have seen some folks who say they can still get to highway speeds on their 4.11, but if I'm going to be in much better shape with a 3.55, I think I'd like to make the change. Any thoughts?

With a 4.11 ratio 60 MPH is safe with a good engine. In the small cab of a pick-up, the large cooling fan, and lack of insulating materials in a truck plus the lack of cloth materials in the cab to absorb the noise make 60 sound like your in 2nd gear. The 3.55 will make a big improvement, lowering the RPM's about 15 percent. Will reduce the high gear power and hill climbing to some extent and improve gas milage by about 10%.
There are no 3.55 rear ends available from other vehicles to make the change easy and economical.

I believe Patrick's still offers a 3:55 conversion kit for your pick-up.

"Patrick's" ???

Do you have a link to a web site?

PATRICK'S

Thank you MrMack, I've sent Patrick's an email.

I had my 53 1/2 ton truck changed over to Highway gears and it was the best thing I ever did. I went on a Cruz last summer to a car show in Chico. It was about 350 miles from where I live. I ran about 65 or 70 the whole way with no problem and the motor not winding out at all. I also learned on this sight that it doesn't really hurt your motor to wind them out. People have owned there cars for 30 years and the motors are still running good. If you plan on driving your truck a lot I would suggest highway gears. If you have a trailer queen don't waste your money. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

Thanks Oscar. Did you go with a 3.55 ratio for your '53? That seems to be the set that is mentioned most often here. Just wondering if we should consider anything else?

CallMeBean,yes I went with the 3.55 gears and wow what a difference...Oscar

Now if only someone would make a batch of 4.11 gears for the 3604 Eaton rear end we would have about 10,000 happy pickup truckers! With the demand for this change I simply can't understand why one of the gear grinders doesn't pick up on it.
I've contacted bout all I could find and dint get any responce from any of them either.
45-40 or bust, bust that 216 that is! I'm sure you know just how lucky you are that you went with a 1/2 ton Oscar.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

You can install a complete 4.10 center section from a later 8 cyl. truck with an automatic transmission....3/4 or 1 ton if I remember correctly.
Also could replace your present 15" wheels with the optional 17" and run 7.50X17' tires. This would reduce your present 3250 RPM at 60 MPH to about 2900 RPM. The 1/2 ton truck with 4.11 and 6.00x16 tires truns about 3100.

Gene,you never cease to amaze me...........cool info!!! Making me wish I had a 53 3100!!!

Just a quick follow up to this thread...
I emailed Patrick's about the 3:55 conversion kit that 46aero mentioned, and here is the response that they sent:

"Ben: We certainly do have a 3.55 gear kit. We have been doing this since 1991. It is a great asset for your truck and you as a driver because you can keep up with traffic and have the engine not over revving and reserve capacity. Danese Dykes"

Looks like I'm in luck, just waiting on the catalogue. Thanks again 46aero!