VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 gearset from 53 150

It is my understanding a 53 manual shift chevy was upgraded to a babbit 235 and a 370 gearset. But, I am told, some 150's received the 216. If that is the case, am I to assume it may also have the 411's? Is there a tag on the casing that indicates the ratio? The rear end will be out of the car when it is available.

All 1953 stick passenger cars had a 235 dipper engine and a 3.70 ratio.The sedan delivery, which looked like a passenger car had a 216 and a 4.11.
All 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 ton trucks had a 216.
The 1/2 ton truckshad a 4.11.

Ok Gene, thanks for the clarification. I was thinking the sedan deliverys and lower trim model 53's may have hade the 216 411 combo.So, I guess I can be assured this rear out of a 150 stick is 370?

I was under the impression that the 1 1/2 ton trucks had a 235 cu. in. engine.

The 235 engine was an option on the 1 1/2 ton trucks.

There is likely a serial number that could be decoded but since some parts are interchangeable, it may or may not be reliable.

Ring Teeth / Pinion Teeth = The Ratio

37/10 = 3.70

39/11 = 3:55 (235 w/PG 1950 -1954)

two other common sets for p-car torque tubes are:

37/9 = 4:11 (216 1940 - 1952)

41/11 = 3:73 (R.P.O. 1941 to 1949)

Chevy Specifications at the oldcarmanualproject

The axle number showing the ratio and plant of origin and year is stamped on the front face of the differential carrier - right side.
The ratio is also stamped on the ring gear and pinion - or atl east the tooth count as well as the part numer of the gear.

Thanks Guys for all of the good info.
Boardwalk? Does R.P.O. stand for ring and pinion option?
What vehichles are likley candidates to have this option?

RPO = regular production option.
There was no production optional axle ratios for 1950-1954 passenger cars.In 1949 the 3.73 was optional and was that last year for that. That option began in 1940.