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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3 |
Newbee: What is the best and easiest way to improve top end cruising speed of a stock 4 speed 1951 Chevy truck?
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828 Likes: 6 |
Install a 3.55 ring and pinion. I changed out the 4.11 for the 3.55 in our 49 3100 pickup that has a 4 speed, it is a nice change for highway driving.
Dens Chevys 1927 Speedster 1928 coupe 1941street rod 1947Fleetline 4 door 1949 1/2 ton Pickup (sold) 1954 210 4 door 1972 Monte Carlo 2003 Corvette convt..
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3 |
How much did it improve your top end? What is your cruising speed with the 3.55 and do you still have decent power in all gears?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
What size truck......the 3.55 gears are available for a 1/2 ton only.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828 Likes: 6 |
It makes running at 60 seem easier on things. The only down side is if you go around a corner to slow you may want to downshift to 2nd gear.
Dens Chevys 1927 Speedster 1928 coupe 1941street rod 1947Fleetline 4 door 1949 1/2 ton Pickup (sold) 1954 210 4 door 1972 Monte Carlo 2003 Corvette convt..
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3 |
How difficult is it to install a new 3.55 to 1 ratio ring & pinion in a half ton. Do you have any pointers?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
I followed the insrtuctions in the shop manual. Lot of work and requires a dial insicator. Would recommend replacing all the bearings also. That would be the front and rear pinion bearins and the side carrier bearings.You will probably have $1000 in parts by the time you are done.
Gene Schneider
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