Hi I have a 1952 gmc 1/2 ton shorts box I am currently restoring It has the 216 in it. I just rebuilt the motor or and the three speed transmission, but shortly after found out I can only do 50 mph with that engine because of the oil injection. Now I would like to know what the best solution is do I put a 228 or do I get a Chevy straight six I'm not sure what direction to go with my truck anymore because I would like to be able to drive it on the highway. Thank you
Welcome aboard, enjoy the ride while here. You need to change the rear-end to a 355/1 as an example. The half-ton guys can explain that for ya. Again welcome and where are the photos of it, Charles
He is right. Of you want to keep the existing motor and tranny you can swap to a Patricks Ring and pinion kit. Its about $600 I think but changed the rear end ratio from 4.11 to 3.55. That should net you at least 10 more mph. Otherwise swapping in a chevy 235 is a common thing to do but if you just dumped a ton of money into an engine rebuild I would just do the ring and pinion.
If you do decide to go with a GMC engine and you are not an originally freak, I'd recommend going to a 270 or 302. They both look like the 228 on the outside and are easier to find parts for. Plus considerably more oomph. By the way, GMC didn't make a 3100.
Thanks for the reply's I would put up pictures but I haven't figured this site out yet. Thought it said 3100 on it I haven't seen it in two years it's in storage but I am going to start this summer. Where could I get this rear end for it.
Welcome to the site~ The ring and pinion gears are sold through Pattrick's, our host, (I believe) and it seems like some have found them on line. As far as posting pictures, when you post a "Reply to Thread", go over and scroll down. Just below the Submit Reply button are "Additional Options". You will see a Manage attachments button. Click on that and then the "Browse Files" button. From there you can get to your photo file and select the images that you want. Happy posting! Good luck with your project as well!
Welcome collins ! Canadian built GMC's used CHEVROLET (cheaper) engines . As mentioned the cheapest & easiest way is to change the ring & pinion , plus of course make sure you use the correct size narrow and tall tires on the rear wheels . Some folks who don't understand will tell you the tire's size makes little or no difference , they're dead wrong .
Agreed, I have a '50 3600 with the 4:57 rear end and I want to keep the truck as stock as possible. I have 8 lug 16" wheels running tires that are 235/85r16 that have a dia of 31". This will help me get a little more speed but I am not looking at highway speeds. The truck sits up high but I like it because it is a 3/4 ton.
