4.10 gears really BLOW - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72dually · 07-06-2004, 07:50 PM

Ive owned my truck for about 2 months and have only driven it basically in town, but I finally took it on a small journey, about 60 miles each way today to look at another shorty for sale at an impound yard, what a joke, that poor motor was RPM'ng out. Sammy hagar says it best, "I cant drive 55"
Now I bought this truck because it was a 1 owner, cheap $1000, low miles, and solely for towing, but it literaly drove me crazy driving that slow, Im use to big blocks w/3.42's that you can drive at least 75, but this poor motor was screaming @ 70mph, I dont know if I can handle these gears.
My 69 camaro had 3.73's but at least I could go with the flow of traffic
Im not even sure I need these gears for towing, 3.73 would be a better choice IMO

Bill72BB · 07-06-2004, 07:58 PM

Felt you pain awhile ago , I put on some 32.5 " tires and put in some 3,54 gears . really helped the freeway driving.

cdowns · 07-06-2004, 08:08 PM

overdrive it

RON WOODGEARD · 07-06-2004, 08:16 PM

Yeppers, You're right !!! It just depends what you want to do.. Tow, take off fast or just cruise???

I have 4:10's,, But I put them in when my truck was 8" taller, and I had 33-12.5's Now that I lowered it, 4"-6" drop I still have the 4:10's I will probably go to some higher gears. 3"5's or 3:7's

Cat Fuzz · 07-06-2004, 08:29 PM

Geez, 3.73's are to short for my motor. Good thing I rarely go on long trips with it.

crazy longhorn · 07-06-2004, 08:38 PM

I love my 4.10's, on a 29" tire 6th gear puts me just about 85 mph @ 3000 revs

Overdrive it.....il 2nd that. crazyL

72dually · 07-06-2004, 08:38 PM

Can I pick 2 of those options? hehe

1) Cruise/tow
2) Cruise/ tow
3) Cruise/tow
4) Take off fast, Nah, the 67 nova and the GS stage 1's do that

Maybe 3.54's would be an even better choice Bill
I dont really want to change tire size, cause I just bought some brand new ones, stock 16.5's with 8.75's, yep there small, but I like the stock look with the factory hubcaps, and I rather invest in the shortbed than a Tow vehicle, no what I mean

Bill72BB · 07-06-2004, 09:29 PM

You might want to plug in some # here to see what ratio is best. I think your tire's are 29.5 " in Dia.

http://richmondgear.com/streetcalculators.html

Bowtie67 · 07-09-2004, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72dually

Can I pick 2 of those options? hehe

1) Cruise/tow
2) Cruise/ tow
3) Cruise/tow
4) Take off fast, Nah, the 67 nova and the GS stage 1's do that

Maybe 3.54's would be an even better choice Bill
I dont really want to change tire size, cause I just bought some brand new ones, stock 16.5's with 8.75's, yep there small, but I like the stock look with the factory hubcaps, and I rather invest in the shortbed than a Tow vehicle, no what I mean

You drop in an overdrive with those gears and you'll have no problem towing, I havent had much opertunity with my new setup to drive it yet with the 4.10's but what I have driven I shouldnt think I would have any issues. I had 3.73's prior with the OD and never had any issues towing or loading the truck right up with stuff and with the low 1st gear really helps on getting the truck moving.

da-burb · 07-07-2004, 08:08 AM

I have the same set up on my C30 Motorhome. I didn't notice the high rpms on the highways. I have 235/85-16 tires, 31.75" tall and 75mph is 3350 rpm according to the calculator at Randy's Ring and pinion web site.

Dean · 07-07-2004, 09:10 AM

My green truck has 4.56 gears. Doesn't bother me much. I just stay in the slow lane and wind the mouse motor out......lol

nevada70chev · 07-07-2004, 09:15 AM

how do i know what rearend i have without tearing it apart?

Bill72BB · 07-07-2004, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada70chev

how do i know what rearend i have without tearing it apart?

I posted a site that has a formula ,if you know your RPM and tire Dia. just plug in the # .

**COBALT** · 07-07-2004, 11:39 AM

I dropped down to 3.90s since I'm still stuck with this HO52. Once I get the overdrive unit and the dana 60 w/ 3.73 I'll be a happy camper.

jcueckert13 · 07-07-2004, 01:00 PM

hey bill thanks for posting the link. according to that if i put a richmond six speed in my truck i could be crusin at 120 mph at 3700 rpm with my 3.73

firemapper · 07-09-2004, 02:12 AM

I am having the same problem, low speed and high rpm. I am kicking aroung the idea of switching my 4-speed manual with a '85-88 4-speed auto (overdrive). Is this the type of OD you are talking about?

**'70_402** · 07-09-2004, 01:54 PM

i like my 308's.....i can still smokem' if i want to and go 100 if i want to. i redline out at about 110....and i mean that truck is floating all over the road...

Bamm · 07-09-2004, 02:52 PM

I'd love to match a 4.10 posi up with my 700R4/Small Block setup. I have a 3.73 posi in it now and it works good, but I don't drive it long distances so I could stand some 4.10's...........JB

Bowtie67 · 07-09-2004, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamm 24

I'd love to match a 4.10 posi up with my 700R4/Small Block setup. I have a 3.73 posi in it now and it works good, but I don't drive it long distances so I could stand some 4.10's...........JB

The RPM difference between 3.73 and 4.10 is barely noticeable, I ran the 3.73 with a 26.5 intire and it almost appeared as though the gears where too tall, I just went for about a 15 mile ride with the new 4.10 gears and didnt really notice much difference, actually liked them better. Still have other issues to work out and need to get truck aligned before doing any serious road testing. Alignment scheduled for tomorrow morning.

6600DURAMAX · 07-09-2004, 05:30 PM

With all this talk about gears, nobody happens to have a spair posi 3.73 laying around for my 12 bolt ???? In need of one BAD. This one wheel wonder had got to go!!!!!!!

toddtheodd · 07-09-2004, 05:39 PM

And I'll take a 3.73 posi for a 10 bolt.

RON WOODGEARD · 07-09-2004, 09:55 PM

The last time I had 4:10's in a rig, It was a 69 GTO Judge, with a built 388 SMALL BLOCK CHEVY. I was driving it back and forth to work, It was about 70 miles each way. (Spokane to Priest River) The gas was killing me,, ( and this was back in the late 70's) I went to 3:5s and really liked them, Still had good acceleration, but wasn't pushing the red line running down the road a little fast. 4:10s to 3:9s or 3:7's wouldn't make that big of difference. When you start changing them that close, It's usually only to dial in your quarter mile times.

jcueckert13 · 07-09-2004, 10:16 PM

i plan on putting a powertrax type set up in my truck eventually. right now i have 373s but later on i might use 308s when i rebuild my engine.

72gord · 07-10-2004, 08:25 AM

I believe tire size and engine really factor into gear selection to a large degree. A big block with a lot of torque will handle a higher gear easier than that 283 or 307. Also the taller tires on some 4x4's need deeper gears to keep the engine in its peak power rpm. Your location and use of the vehicle also factor in...I live in hiily country and often pull a trailer, my 2001HD has 4.10's and an 8.1, the over drive helps when I get out on the interstate. My 72 that is currently being redone has 4.56 gears, used to pull a trailer with it and loved the power it had even with a stock 350, gas mileage was another story, but it is tough to get power and mileage with out going to a turbo diesel. I get around 10 mpg with the 8.1 pulling an 18 foot trailer with a truck on it. the 72 would get about 8 mpg doing the same, difference being I can run 70 mph+ with the 2001 and could only go about 60-65 with the 72. JMO Thanks, Gord

07-06-2004, 07:50 PM	#1
72dually Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 687	4.10 gears really BLOW Ive owned my truck for about 2 months and have only driven it basically in town, but I finally took it on a small journey, about 60 miles each way today to look at another shorty for sale at an impound yard, what a joke, that poor motor was RPM'ng out. Sammy hagar says it best, "I cant drive 55" Now I bought this truck because it was a 1 owner, cheap $1000, low miles, and solely for towing, but it literaly drove me crazy driving that slow, Im use to big blocks w/3.42's that you can drive at least 75, but this poor motor was screaming @ 70mph, I dont know if I can handle these gears. My 69 camaro had 3.73's but at least I could go with the flow of traffic Im not even sure I need these gears for towing, 3.73 would be a better choice IMO

07-06-2004, 07:58 PM	#2
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	Felt you pain awhile ago , I put on some 32.5 " tires and put in some 3,54 gears . really helped the freeway driving. __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

07-06-2004, 08:08 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	overdrive it __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-06-2004, 08:38 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I love my 4.10's, on a 29" tire 6th gear puts me just about 85 mph @ 3000 revs Overdrive it.....il 2nd that. crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

07-06-2004, 09:29 PM	#8
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	You might want to plug in some # here to see what ratio is best. I think your tire's are 29.5 " in Dia. http://richmondgear.com/streetcalculators.html __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

07-06-2004, 08:16 PM	#4
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	Yeppers, You're right !!! It just depends what you want to do.. Tow, take off fast or just cruise??? I have 4:10's,, But I put them in when my truck was 8" taller, and I had 33-12.5's Now that I lowered it, 4"-6" drop I still have the 4:10's I will probably go to some higher gears. 3"5's or 3:7's

07-06-2004, 08:29 PM	#5
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	Geez, 3.73's are to short for my motor. Good thing I rarely go on long trips with it.

07-07-2004, 08:08 AM	#10
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	I have the same set up on my C30 Motorhome. I didn't notice the high rpms on the highways. I have 235/85-16 tires, 31.75" tall and 75mph is 3350 rpm according to the calculator at Randy's Ring and pinion web site. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

07-07-2004, 09:10 AM	#11
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	My green truck has 4.56 gears. Doesn't bother me much. I just stay in the slow lane and wind the mouse motor out......lol

07-07-2004, 09:15 AM	#12
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	stupid question time... how do i know what rearend i have without tearing it apart? __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

07-07-2004, 11:39 AM	#14
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I dropped down to 3.90s since I'm still stuck with this HO52. Once I get the overdrive unit and the dana 60 w/ 3.73 I'll be a happy camper. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

07-07-2004, 01:00 PM	#15
jcueckert13 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Edgewood New Mexico Posts: 2,088	hey bill thanks for posting the link. according to that if i put a richmond six speed in my truck i could be crusin at 120 mph at 3700 rpm with my 3.73 __________________ 1990 subaru legcy (daily driver) 1987 Toyota 4runner (weekend toy) 1968 C30 flatbed dually 1970 C10 longbed stepside (in pieces) 1976 Dodge Dart 1963 Dodge Dart

07-09-2004, 02:12 AM	#16
firemapper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: California Posts: 13	I am having the same problem, low speed and high rpm. I am kicking aroung the idea of switching my 4-speed manual with a '85-88 4-speed auto (overdrive). Is this the type of OD you are talking about? __________________ 1967 C 20 Custom Camper

07-09-2004, 01:54 PM	#17
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,553	i like my 308's.....i can still smokem' if i want to and go 100 if i want to. i redline out at about 110....and i mean that truck is floating all over the road... __________________ https://www.ebay.com/itm/29620574751...mis&media=COPY

07-09-2004, 02:52 PM	#18
Bamm Cowboy Fan for Life!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Amelia, Virginia Posts: 2,921	I'd love to match a 4.10 posi up with my 700R4/Small Block setup. I have a 3.73 posi in it now and it works good, but I don't drive it long distances so I could stand some 4.10's...........JB __________________ 1967 ShortBed Fleetside 3/4 Drop 350/700R4 Tilt wheel 18 x 8 Torque Thrust II's Future mods: All new gauges & wood bed My Zip is 23002 I ship UPS, USPS Last edited by Bamm; 07-09-2004 at 02:53 PM. Reason: spelling



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07-09-2004, 05:30 PM	#20
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,124	With all this talk about gears, nobody happens to have a spair posi 3.73 laying around for my 12 bolt ???? In need of one BAD. This one wheel wonder had got to go!!!!!!!

07-09-2004, 05:39 PM	#21
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	And I'll take a 3.73 posi for a 10 bolt.

07-09-2004, 09:55 PM	#22
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	The last time I had 4:10's in a rig, It was a 69 GTO Judge, with a built 388 SMALL BLOCK CHEVY. I was driving it back and forth to work, It was about 70 miles each way. (Spokane to Priest River) The gas was killing me,, ( and this was back in the late 70's) I went to 3:5s and really liked them, Still had good acceleration, but wasn't pushing the red line running down the road a little fast. 4:10s to 3:9s or 3:7's wouldn't make that big of difference. When you start changing them that close, It's usually only to dial in your quarter mile times.

07-09-2004, 10:16 PM	#23
jcueckert13 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Edgewood New Mexico Posts: 2,088	i plan on putting a powertrax type set up in my truck eventually. right now i have 373s but later on i might use 308s when i rebuild my engine. __________________ 1990 subaru legcy (daily driver) 1987 Toyota 4runner (weekend toy) 1968 C30 flatbed dually 1970 C10 longbed stepside (in pieces) 1976 Dodge Dart 1963 Dodge Dart

07-10-2004, 08:25 AM	#24
72gord Never enough time!! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: sw Wisconsin Posts: 601	I believe tire size and engine really factor into gear selection to a large degree. A big block with a lot of torque will handle a higher gear easier than that 283 or 307. Also the taller tires on some 4x4's need deeper gears to keep the engine in its peak power rpm. Your location and use of the vehicle also factor in...I live in hiily country and often pull a trailer, my 2001HD has 4.10's and an 8.1, the over drive helps when I get out on the interstate. My 72 that is currently being redone has 4.56 gears, used to pull a trailer with it and loved the power it had even with a stock 350, gas mileage was another story, but it is tough to get power and mileage with out going to a turbo diesel. I get around 10 mpg with the 8.1 pulling an 18 foot trailer with a truck on it. the 72 would get about 8 mpg doing the same, difference being I can run 70 mph+ with the 2001 and could only go about 60-65 with the 72. JMO Thanks, Gord

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