better gearing/transmission for a '59 to do extended highway speeds?

[alden]

The maiden voyage of my 59 fleetside made it up to around 65 or so - didn't want to push it given it's deathtrap stage at the time - but I don't think it had a whole lot more, nor would I want to keep it at that speed for an extended period of time.

Right now it's got the stock straight six with the 3 speed and granny gear. Would a different rear end or alternate transmission be useful in helping it cruise at higher speeds and is there a possible side benefit of better mpg?

Thanks!

[56hotrodred]

I think yes on all accounts. If you are planning on running on the highway a lot a rear end with a higher gear ratio and upgraded transmission would make all the difference in the world. A rear end in the low 3's or even high 2's would assist greatly.

There is/are lots of discussions on what people are doing in this regard. Do a search and you will have enough reading to keep you going for a while.

56hotrodred

[alden]

the only search function that works for me is the google window above (the search button doesn't go anywhere and if I copy and past the link I get a "not authorized" response) but when I use the google window I get posts from the other sections that mostly focus on newer trucks and they have much larger engines the bulk of the time. I figured the straight six would play a role in determining the requirement for my truck.

[56hotrodred]

Can't help you much there - with regards to the search function.

The six does play an important factor. You need to find out what rear end gears you have in now. Simply changing the rear end even with the same transmission would help you out.

56hotrodred

[alden]

ok, I'll see if I can't figure that out. I just have to open it up to see right?

[56hotrodred]

No I don't think you have to open it up. Make sure there is no tag or something on the rear end first.

I have never had to do it but you can count the revolutions of the tire in relation to the rear u-joint and do some simple math. Maybe someone else can chime in and tell you how to do it.

56hotrodred

[Cyrus]

Yup! He's right. Jack up the rear end. Make a mark on both the rear ujoint and one tire. Count how many times the tire goes around to make 1 revolution on the ujoint and you'll have your ratio.
A little over 4 would be a 4.10 or 4.11 to 1, almost 5 would put you somewhere in the 4.75:1 range, etc.

[GRIMSS]

My cousin had the same problem. He found an article online to use a 5 speed out of a V6 S-10. Just had to mod the bolt holes a little to bolt right up.

[blackdiesel]

The T-5 trans (out of the s-10) would help alot, if you want to keep a standed tranny. If you would like a auto, go with the 700r4. Dads and I both are running a 700 with 3:73 gears and it's ok on the big hyway. We just put a 700r4 in Dads 56 belair and it has 3:23's and it's better. Grandpas 57 belair has the 700r4 with 2:73's it does alot of shifting on small hills, but he gets over 20 mpg's. I would say the 3:23, 3:42's or there around would be the best all around. BTW you've probable have 4:10's.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Cyrus

Yup! He's right. Jack up the rear end. Make a mark on both the rear ujoint and one tire. Count how many times the tire goes around to make 1 revolution on the ujoint and you'll have your ratio.
A little over 4 would be a 4.10 or 4.11 to 1, almost 5 would put you somewhere in the 4.75:1 range, etc.

Turn the passenger side tire unless its a posi, drivers side sometimes slip some because of the spider gears and give a false reading.

[alden]

thanks all for the tips, I'll give that a shot and see what I get!