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I have a stock, restored & rebuilt 1941 Chevy, Spc. Del. Coupe with the stock 4.11 rear gear ratio. My question is, I am considering a two, 200 mile plus trips and I was wondering if any one knows or has experience changing the gear ratio for a better highway speed {s} and less RPM's. I only travel about 55 MPH and she purrs and I have no real reason to change, unless I would be better off or put less strain on the eng. {or driver}. I know of a place in Ariz. that specializes in new gears but wondered what other owners have experienced. Clearly this is not an issues only a consideration at this time. Thanks 
Michael
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Just recently I made a 1500 mile trip to the AllCal Tour in a stock Master Delux 41 5-pass coupe. Would not hesitate to do it again. 
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Enjoy the trip and keep it a 4:11 and avoid all that work and expense of changeing to another ratio....If it ain't broke don't fix it...
lever B.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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If your happy with 55-60 keep the 4.11 :)
Gene Schneider
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Backyard Mechanic
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Thanks you guys.
I'll keep her just as she is, 4.11 & all.
I sure appreciate your time & comments.
Michael41
Michael
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Backyard Mechanic
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Just be glad you don't have a 6.17 ratio!
1939 Chevy 1 1/2 ton dually rear wheel pickup
1940 Chevy 1 1/2 ton single rear wheel pickup
1946 Chevy 2 ton cab and chassis
1977 Chevy 3/4 ton camper special 4x4
Obsessed 16yr old Chevy truck nut
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Michael, Pretty much the nail has been hit on the head, not once; but several times.
I think the 'key' to your question is the fact that you (like me) are content to drive the 41-42's etc. around 55mph. With that in mind, there's really no reason to switch out the rear-end gears to say a '54 PG rear-end.
On the other hand it you wanted to kick it up 7-8-10 mph faster you still could with the 4.11's; but would proably be better off to switch to the 3.55 type PG rear-end gears.
It sounds to me like you're going to stay where you are. Under the circumstances, I'd say that's the best idea!!
Bill.
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If you install a higher ratio, and drive at 55, you realize much better mileage.
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As always, "Lou" speaks true. However, I'd think you'd have to do a pretty fair amount of driving before Michael41 got the cost of the 'switch' back in gas money savings!!!!
Bill.
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According to the 1941 proving ground figures you will get approx. 1 MPG better with the 3.73 over the 4.11.
3.73 gave 19.6 at a steady 50 MPH and a 4.11 gave 19.1
At 60 the 3.73 = 17.5 and 4.11 = 16.6 MPG
This is also what I experianced with my '39.
Gene Schneider
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Michael41..
Since I am in the minority on this topic I have to put in my 2 cents worth.
I installed a '54 powerglide rear end in my '41 Coupe. One of the best things I have done to the car. It is not expensive or a lot of work to put the "guts" and tube in the '41. The R&P are 3:54-1 and it bolts right in. You do not have to replace the axle, etc. only the inside gears. Gene Schneider walked me through this job. He would be glad to help you or anyone else.
The 3:54 R&P changes your speed (not RPM) plus 14% . I put a decal on my speedometer to compensate for the speed change. We do not drive enough to worry about gas milage.
Before the change at 50 MPH everything was wound up tight. Now I can drive 60-65 MPH with ease. If you want to drive 55 or so the car will do it much easier than with the 4:11 R&P.
I bought a complete rear end from a friend for $100.00. I found a bad U-joint in my '41 when I tore it down so that helped make it run better.
I would highly recommend the change. You will never regret changing to a 3:54 R&P.
Good Luck JIM
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Thanks to all of you. Good food for thought.
Michael41
Michael
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