If you are going to do some thing to improve the "cruise", I would
recommend an automatic with OD. If you change just the rearend, you will
run into real problems when you are four-wheeling. Your front and rear
gear ratios must match (or within .01, F#$d and D#$ge and IHC used to
miss-match there gear ratios front to rear by about .01 to help improve
"off road" performance, maybe a 4.11:1 on one end and a 4.10:1 on the other
I can't say for sure if it helped, but for the guys that forgot to "unlock"
when they hit the pavement it sure got expensive pretty quick) or else you
will do major damage to the drive train. If I am remembering correctly,
the early 60's GM's were still running a "divorced" transfer case (T-case
and tranny are mounted separately, and not bolted together). If this is
the case, it should be a relatively simple matter to change the tranny out
for a OD automatic, or a newer manual tranny with OD. Good luck, I hope
this helps.
Kevin Lake
56 GMC Suburban/napco
----------
> From: Brad Newman <bkn@cyberramp.net>
> To: oletrucks <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> Subject: [oletrucks] rear ends
> Date: Friday, May 14, 1999 9:43 PM
>
> I know that this list is supposed to cover trucks only up to 59, but I
> had a question and thought that one of you could help.
> I am looking at a 63 3/4 ton 4x4 that is about 99% rust free, and only
> has 14,000 original miles on it. It has a 292 6 with a four speed
> tranny, and is in very good shape. The problem is is that I am looking
> for a daily driver, and according to the owner this truck tops out at
> around 50 mph.
> Can any of you street guys tell me what kind of rear end may fit into
> this beast that would allow me to cruise in the 70 mph range, AND not
> hurt the 4 wheel drive capabilities (am I dreaming?)? What about
> switching over to an automatic tranny? Can someone tell me what may be
> involved there?
> Thanks
> Brad
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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