what gear ratio do you run or would like to have - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

xshadow · 11-03-2007, 12:07 AM

What gear ratio are you running, or what would you like to have....and why do you want to go with that ratio?

67_C-30 · 11-03-2007, 12:27 AM

Gear ratio for what? All around, racing, highway, or pulling/towing? Not being smart, just wondering what you are wanting to know.

brak · 11-03-2007, 01:16 AM

3:73 for me

just enough low end, and the overdrive on my 700-r4 should make up for any loss in top end.

Best of both worlds.

piecesparts · 11-03-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brak

3:73 for me

just enough low end, and the overdrive on my 700-r4 should make up for any loss in top end.

Best of both worlds.

I run a 3.73 in my weekend cruncher and it also has a 700 R4 tranny. I get 15 MPG with a 383 stroker, carburated motor and can bite hard on the streets when needed. I run a little smaller tire than some, but the truck is lowered and it puts my RPMs around 2500 for 70 MPH cruizing. Anything lower would work the engine and the cruise control to much. ( I live where there are hills)

My daily driver has a 5.7/700R4/ 3.42 gear ratio and it is not bad on acceleration, but tends to be somewhat enemic compared to the 3.73s. The gas mileage on the daily driver is around 20 MPG, but it is also a TBI motor. The RPMs at 70 is around 2250 and it works fine overall. Both trucks are lowered and I run the same size tires on them, so the RPMs are comparible to the difference in the rear end gearing.

68K20 x Drill · 11-03-2007, 01:48 AM

I went from 4:56 to 4:10, and its nice now to get all the way across an intersection before having to shift.

**special-K** · 11-03-2007, 06:57 AM

For road use and light hauling these days I`d take a 3.08 with no o/d.If I have o/d,I like 4.10,but 3.73 would do.I like pullin`gears,but these days we need to squeeze all we can from the gas.A 3.08 will get you up and free-rollin`easy with the power these trucks have and is the single cheapest/easiest way to get economy.I think it`s too high for o/d,though.With o/d I wouldn`t want higher than 3.42s,but I`d want a torquey motor.3.73s will keep you in o/d with ease and give the best hiway cruisin`.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 11-03-2007, 08:01 AM

I currently have 3.73.No overdrive,31" tires and I can live with the 3.73s but I usually cruise at 60 MPH which means I'm pretty much a traffic hazzard and have to hug the right lane on the freeway.For pulling a heavy load,3.73 is just right.But if I'm empty then 3.08 would be better cause I could actually use my 4.56 low gear instead of starting out in second (2.28-1).Either way is no big deal,If I'm in a hurry and cruise at 70 MPH or even 75,my sbc is singing a sweet song and with the short stroke,I don't think it hurts anything.

chris71 · 11-03-2007, 09:09 AM

i had a 3.73 with a 700 r4 overdrive, and man that was sweet, nice low gear off the starting line but had the nice high gear for the high way. i did some rough calculations and with the 3.08 first gear of the 700r4 and the 3.73 rear it is similar to having 4.56's with a turbo 350 (in first gear), but i could tool down the highway at 70-80 in 4th gear no prob. my 700 blew and i replaced it with a th350. i feel that the 3.73 are too low for me now with 28" tires for the highway so i bought a 3.07 posi. i should be good to go on the highway and for economy.

dave2953 · 11-03-2007, 09:42 AM

I have a 3.73 in my truck. I am looking to get a 700R4 so my Powerglide can take a much needed break.

Shyguy · 11-03-2007, 09:56 AM

I have a stock 350 with a granny low 4 speed and 3.73 gears with 31" tires and have found for what I use my truck for the 3.73s work fine.

I use it for farm work and running into town for supplies so I am not worried about mileage.

My son has a mildly modified 350 with a 3 speed and 3.42 gears. He drives a lot faster than I do and uses his truck for burnouts, cruising, and occassional trailer pulling.

I am a little long winded to end up saying it depends on what you use your truck for.

Danny - Southeast Missouri

Classic69 · 11-03-2007, 11:22 AM

My '69 has a SBC 283/TH350/4.56's/235/75-R15 tires. It takes off the line pretty darn good. It's a show truck/cruiser so I don't do any hauling with it. On the highway at 70 MPH it cruises at about 3900 RPM's. I get about 12-14 MPG combined. The 4.56 gears are what came with the truck when I bought it 12 years ago. I swapped the 283/th350 combo into it.

JAKES 68GMC · 11-03-2007, 03:36 PM

I think I've got 4.10's, but I'd like some 3.73 or maybe even 3.55 gears. My truck cranks at anything above 50mph.

bad6772 · 11-03-2007, 05:08 PM

i run 4.56s in the 72 ...And im looking to change it....lol it sucks the gas......bad...........

chevy72blu · 11-03-2007, 05:24 PM

3.73 with a 28" tall tire (no OD) is fine for a DD as long as you arent spending a ton of time on the freeway. Even if you are... run it 55-60 and take the extra 2-5 minutes to get there.

3.73 are the best middle of the road performance/driver gear IMHO. If you dont have an interest in racing it, go with a 3.55 or slightly lower.

lilred67 · 11-03-2007, 05:44 PM

my dd has 3.42's w/350 & 4l60e and i have found this to be my favorite combo. it gets good milage and pull decent as long as it is drive(no od).i'm changing the rear end in my '67 out to a 3.08 just because i have one, but my plans are to re-gear the original rear end to 3.42's w/ 350/sm465 tranny.

cdowns · 11-03-2007, 06:26 PM

well when at the gas pump filling the tank i wish i had a 2:73 sittin at a stoplight next to a blowmaster type guy i wish for 4:11

bucky_21_7 · 11-03-2007, 07:17 PM

I have 3.08's but my first gear in my saginaw is like 3.54 i think so first gear is supper high makes it feel like 4.10's or 4.56. Realy good for burning rubber but not so good for gas milage. But my Power mec teacher has the exsact same tranny with same ratios in it and he said he had 3.73's in his 58 bel air but he said it was bad because there was barley a first gear so he went back to 3.08's

**clay68c10** · 11-03-2007, 08:47 PM

I've got 3.07 now and with a th400 I like it, 70 mph is around 2600 rpm. If I had an overdrive, I'd change to 3.55 to get good low & top end.

Ace in the hole · 11-03-2007, 08:51 PM

I have 4.56 right now, wouldn't mind 3.73 though.

Texasdeere · 11-03-2007, 08:53 PM

I have a 3.07 rear with a TH400, 402BB. I like it.

If I had 3.73s, I would put in a TH700R4. That would be better on both ends.

wibilly · 11-03-2007, 09:45 PM

i have 3.73 in my driver and love them but overdrive would make them even better. for now i'm running 31"tires that helps. cant wait to find a nv4500 if i don't by spring i'll probably go with 3.08's cause if i have to tow somthing real heavy i have 4.10's in my 71

**pdr510** · 11-03-2007, 10:18 PM

3.73 with a 4L60E tranny works good for me.

Ryan Hubbard · 11-03-2007, 10:18 PM

I have a 3.55 gear in my Dana 60. I am running a blown 350 with a turbo400. I can cruise the freeways in SoCal with no problem and still tow easily because I have 500 lb ft of torque.

Regards,

Ryan Hubbard

**special-K** · 11-04-2007, 07:48 AM

Note:Just a reminder
Truck 12-bolt rears had 3.08:1 ratio available.
There was also a 307 cu.in. SBC available.
No 308 motors and no 3.07 gear in trucks.

nates70lwb · 11-15-2007, 10:34 PM

4:10's man, who cares about gas mileage its an old hot rod truck, I just want to get in it and burn the hell out of the tires...

11-03-2007, 12:07 AM	#1
xshadow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: va Posts: 553	what gear ratio do you run or would like to have What gear ratio are you running, or what would you like to have....and why do you want to go with that ratio?

11-03-2007, 12:27 AM	#2
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have Gear ratio for what? All around, racing, highway, or pulling/towing? Not being smart, just wondering what you are wanting to know. __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

11-03-2007, 01:16 AM	#3
brak Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MinneSNOWta Posts: 1,381	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have 3:73 for me just enough low end, and the overdrive on my 700-r4 should make up for any loss in top end. Best of both worlds. __________________ 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill

11-03-2007, 01:48 AM	#5
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I went from 4:56 to 4:10, and its nice now to get all the way across an intersection before having to shift. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

11-03-2007, 06:57 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have For road use and light hauling these days I`d take a 3.08 with no o/d.If I have o/d,I like 4.10,but 3.73 would do.I like pullin`gears,but these days we need to squeeze all we can from the gas.A 3.08 will get you up and free-rollin`easy with the power these trucks have and is the single cheapest/easiest way to get economy.I think it`s too high for o/d,though.With o/d I wouldn`t want higher than 3.42s,but I`d want a torquey motor.3.73s will keep you in o/d with ease and give the best hiway cruisin`. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-03-2007, 08:01 AM	#7
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I currently have 3.73.No overdrive,31" tires and I can live with the 3.73s but I usually cruise at 60 MPH which means I'm pretty much a traffic hazzard and have to hug the right lane on the freeway.For pulling a heavy load,3.73 is just right.But if I'm empty then 3.08 would be better cause I could actually use my 4.56 low gear instead of starting out in second (2.28-1).Either way is no big deal,If I'm in a hurry and cruise at 70 MPH or even 75,my sbc is singing a sweet song and with the short stroke,I don't think it hurts anything. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Last edited by WorkinLonghorn; 11-04-2007 at 09:18 AM.

11-03-2007, 09:09 AM	#8
chris71 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sykesville MD Posts: 357	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have i had a 3.73 with a 700 r4 overdrive, and man that was sweet, nice low gear off the starting line but had the nice high gear for the high way. i did some rough calculations and with the 3.08 first gear of the 700r4 and the 3.73 rear it is similar to having 4.56's with a turbo 350 (in first gear), but i could tool down the highway at 70-80 in 4th gear no prob. my 700 blew and i replaced it with a th350. i feel that the 3.73 are too low for me now with 28" tires for the highway so i bought a 3.07 posi. i should be good to go on the highway and for economy. __________________ '55 3100 2nd series short-bed stepside '70 Corvette coupe stingray '71 Chevelle 2-dr coupe SS clone '71 C10 long-bed fleetside '83 long-haired brunette wife

11-03-2007, 09:42 AM	#9
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have a 3.73 in my truck. I am looking to get a 700R4 so my Powerglide can take a much needed break. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

11-03-2007, 09:56 AM	#10
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have a stock 350 with a granny low 4 speed and 3.73 gears with 31" tires and have found for what I use my truck for the 3.73s work fine. I use it for farm work and running into town for supplies so I am not worried about mileage. My son has a mildly modified 350 with a 3 speed and 3.42 gears. He drives a lot faster than I do and uses his truck for burnouts, cruising, and occassional trailer pulling. I am a little long winded to end up saying it depends on what you use your truck for. Danny - Southeast Missouri

11-03-2007, 11:22 AM	#11
Classic69 Love That '69 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 360	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have My '69 has a SBC 283/TH350/4.56's/235/75-R15 tires. It takes off the line pretty darn good. It's a show truck/cruiser so I don't do any hauling with it. On the highway at 70 MPH it cruises at about 3900 RPM's. I get about 12-14 MPG combined. The 4.56 gears are what came with the truck when I bought it 12 years ago. I swapped the 283/th350 combo into it. __________________ *I AM CANADIAN!!!!!* 1969 Chevy C/10 Truck - SBC V8, TH-350, 3.73 Posi, 1000W Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, B&M Megashifter, GT Grant Steering Wheel, Dual Magnaflow Exhaust System, Dynomax Headers, Lowered 1" Front & 3" Rear, Front/Rear Sway Bars, Racing Seats, 6000K HID Headlights 2008 Chevy Colorado LT - 3.7L I5, 4 Speed Automatic, Crew Cab, 4X4, Z71 Off-Road Package, "Ground Effects" Package, K&N Cold Air Intake, Supermod PTB, Magnaflow Exhaust w/ Resonator, 500W Kenwood / Rockford Fosgate Stereo System, Custom LED Lighting, 6000K HID Low's / High's, Blackcat Customs Gauges / Needles, Carbon Fiber Interior Accents, KrFabs 2" Lift Shackles / Torsion Bar Crank with Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Superskids Skid Plates Last edited by Classic69; 11-03-2007 at 11:22 AM.

11-03-2007, 03:36 PM	#12
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,211	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I think I've got 4.10's, but I'd like some 3.73 or maybe even 3.55 gears. My truck cranks at anything above 50mph.

11-03-2007, 05:08 PM	#13
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have i run 4.56s in the 72 ...And im looking to change it....lol it sucks the gas......bad...........

11-03-2007, 05:24 PM	#14
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have 3.73 with a 28" tall tire (no OD) is fine for a DD as long as you arent spending a ton of time on the freeway. Even if you are... run it 55-60 and take the extra 2-5 minutes to get there. 3.73 are the best middle of the road performance/driver gear IMHO. If you dont have an interest in racing it, go with a 3.55 or slightly lower. __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

11-03-2007, 05:44 PM	#15
lilred67 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: weatherford,texas Posts: 1,003	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have my dd has 3.42's w/350 & 4l60e and i have found this to be my favorite combo. it gets good milage and pull decent as long as it is drive(no od).i'm changing the rear end in my '67 out to a 3.08 just because i have one, but my plans are to re-gear the original rear end to 3.42's w/ 350/sm465 tranny.

11-03-2007, 06:26 PM	#16
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have well when at the gas pump filling the tank i wish i had a 2:73 sittin at a stoplight next to a blowmaster type guy i wish for 4:11 __________________ 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



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11-03-2007, 07:17 PM	#17
bucky_21_7 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 59	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have 3.08's but my first gear in my saginaw is like 3.54 i think so first gear is supper high makes it feel like 4.10's or 4.56. Realy good for burning rubber but not so good for gas milage. But my Power mec teacher has the exsact same tranny with same ratios in it and he said he had 3.73's in his 58 bel air but he said it was bad because there was barley a first gear so he went back to 3.08's

11-03-2007, 08:47 PM	#18
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,991	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I've got 3.07 now and with a th400 I like it, 70 mph is around 2600 rpm. If I had an overdrive, I'd change to 3.55 to get good low & top end. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

11-03-2007, 08:51 PM	#19
Ace in the hole Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Posts: 538	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have 4.56 right now, wouldn't mind 3.73 though. __________________ 1970 K20, 350--- SOLD 05 silverado extended cab short box- duramax Jeep wrangler unlimited

11-03-2007, 08:53 PM	#20
Texasdeere Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 732	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have a 3.07 rear with a TH400, 402BB. I like it. If I had 3.73s, I would put in a TH700R4. That would be better on both ends.

11-03-2007, 09:45 PM	#21
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have i have 3.73 in my driver and love them but overdrive would make them even better. for now i'm running 31"tires that helps. cant wait to find a nv4500 if i don't by spring i'll probably go with 3.08's cause if i have to tow somthing real heavy i have 4.10's in my 71 __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

11-03-2007, 10:18 PM	#22
pdr510 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LA Posts: 158	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have 3.73 with a 4L60E tranny works good for me. __________________ 1970 C-10 Fleet Side Gen IV 6.0 with 4L80E

11-03-2007, 10:18 PM	#23
Ryan Hubbard Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 288	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have I have a 3.55 gear in my Dana 60. I am running a blown 350 with a turbo400. I can cruise the freeways in SoCal with no problem and still tow easily because I have 500 lb ft of torque. Regards, Ryan Hubbard

11-04-2007, 07:48 AM	#24
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have Note:Just a reminder Truck 12-bolt rears had 3.08:1 ratio available. There was also a 307 cu.in. SBC available. No 308 motors and no 3.07 gear in trucks. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-15-2007, 10:34 PM	#25
nates70lwb Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: shawnee,ok Posts: 21	Re: what gear ratio do you run or would like to have 4:10's man, who cares about gas mileage its an old hot rod truck, I just want to get in it and burn the hell out of the tires...

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