Randy, just out of curiosity, what kind of gas mileage do you get? Bob K in
PHX, AZ.
----- Original Message -----
From: "RANDALL WICKHAM" <rbwickham@msn.com>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 6:41 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Re: oletrucks-digest V2 #2055
> Hi Folks,
>
> This is my first post to the board, but I thought I'd chime in on the
> subject of swapping rear-end assemblies.
>
> I've owned my '51 1/2 ton AD since 1977 and one of the first thing I did
was
> to replace the original rear-end, especially since my plans were to
hot-rod
> the truck. (Olds 455/Turbo 400)
>
> My feelings are that Patrick's gears are great if you are intending to
keep
> an all original drivetrain. The new gears will definitely improve the
> driveability at highway speeds.
>
> I replaced my original rear-end with a '68-'74 Nova rear, and am now on my
> second assembly--after 26 years.
>
> The cost? $50--junkyard rear-end, $25 --new brake shoes, $20--new
hardware
> (springs, keepers, pins, etc.), $20--3" weld-on axle pads, $20--new
> u-bolts/nuts, $40--new shocks, $25--turning of the brake drums, $5--new
> brake line for rear-end, $15--new flex line to tie into truck brake
system.
> Add another $20 for miscellaneous stuff.
>
> Of course, to tie to a Turbo 350 or similar, a Nova driveshaft will
provide
> the correct u-joint fit, but the length will have to be altered by a
> competent driveshaft shop--around $100-$125 typically for a new shaft with
> your yokes.
>
> Total$? $240, not counting the driveshaft, plus a little labor on my
part.
> My truck cruises effortlessly 65-70 MPH with its 3.08 gears and is a joy
> to drive--I presently put about 500 miles a week on the truck--I love it!
>
> Randy Wickham
>
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