1953 1/2 Ton Rear End Gear Options

[Deve]

I hear it is possible to make my original setup go faster with a rear end gear change. I have only heard of this. Has anyone done such a thing? How much mph do you gain and where do you recommend purchase? What is there to doing this upgrade? I have experience in going from enclosed drive shaft to open and overdrive, etc, but never tried to get more out of the torque tube. Thanks!

 

[MT AZ]

The most reliable vendor with the cheapest price on the 3.55 gears is M.T.

1940 - 1953 Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton truck 3.55:1 ring & pinion gears


Chris Sweet did a nice write up on installing the gears here....

Stovebolt Tech Tip -- Antique Chevy / GMC Truck Restoration Help






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[Deve]

M.T.? How do I get ahold of this person/vendor?

 

[coilover]

Just send Joe, at DeadZoneTruckin a PM and he will fix you up. The 3.55's instead of 4.11's will drop the rpm from 3000 to 2500 at 60mph with 28" tall tires which changes the engine sound from a scream to a nice purr.

 

[penniwinkle]

A while back, I gave Nate a complete rearend (with driveshaft, etc) that had the 3:55 gears I ordered from Patrick's in Casa Grande, AZ. Not sure if Nate still has the rearend or if he might sell/let it go.

 

[Deve]

The How-To Article is finished and ready for critique here:

Rebuilding a GM Differential

That was an adventure!