wide ratio trans vs. close?

[rick0312]

can anyone give me any insight on the difference between a wide ratio vs. close ratio trans as it pertains to our trucks. I hear a close ratio is better because there is less stress on the first gear. any input would be appreciated.....thanks

[WorkinLonghorn]

There's a current discission on this subject here;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=289436
The only "close ratio" 4spd on our trucks that I am aware of is the NP 435 which still has a pretty low 1st at 4.56-1. You don't need it unless you're loaded pretty good. The other 4 spds,420,465,have even lower 1st gear which you would use for trailering.
Stress on the gears is pretty much a non-issue since these are VERY stout units rated at (I think!) 500 ft.lbs.

[rick0312]

I purchased a close ratio 3 speed saginaw...1st gear 2.54 2nd 1.50 and 3rd 1.0. I don't do any hauling and was wondering if this tranny will work well with 3.73 rearend.

[69halfton]

if your not doing any pulling, tranny stress is really a on-issue. it only becomes an issue if you have a build big block in front or some crazy small block.

for the average, hot-rodded truck, almost any tranny wil do good with the right set of gears in the rear end.

that being said, i think that a 3.73 gear would be just right.

[WorkinLonghorn]

What's it out of? The two 3 spds available in a truck were 2.85,1.68,1 and the heavy duty;3.03,1.75,1.
Seems like yours would be OK,but make sure it is rated at least to what your torque is at.

[rick0312]

It's a car tranny that I plan on matting behind a 260hp/350.