I have a 58 with the 4 speed transmission. What would be the best (easy/inexpensive) way to get a higher gear ration so I can drive this thing on the highway at a lower RPM? Are new gear sets available for the transmission?
Depends What is the truck used for? Just a joy rider? You could always swap out gears in the rear end instead. I think Classic parts has a set of 3.38 gears which would be more highway appropriate than the 3.91 or 4.10 gears you've likely got now, no? just my 2 cents.
If you have a 3/4 or a 1 ton then you may have 514's in the rear, if that be the case, 410's is most likely all you can get without special building a system for your truck. If you have a 1/2 ton then call Patric's and see of he can set you up. Mine is a 1ton that had 514s and not has 410s. If you live near So. Cal., call Hoopers rear end exchange in Sun Valley, Ca. Hope this helps,
This is a 1/2 ton truck for fun. I have a new GMC that I use for actual work. How do I contact Patric's?
gears http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/ ,Also if you were to ask the host of this site, they could also get you the 388's . Truckshop also has them, I was there today and seen them in their catalogs. Hope some of this helps.