Granny Gears Too Low..Solutions ?

[Mike C]

Should be easy to get a set of 1/2 ton 4x4 axles with either 3.07 or 3.73 gears from a 70's truck and swap 'em in. Get disc brakes that way too.
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[franken]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Should be easy to get a set of 1/2 ton 4x4 axles with either 3.07 or 3.73 gears from a 70's truck and swap 'em in. Get disc brakes that way too.
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Spring perches were on different centers and one shock mount is on the wrong side.

[Mike C]

So it doesn't bolt right in. Neither does a gear set or a differential set itself up.

I have 3/4 ton axles from an '86 in my '72. I removed and reused the donors spring perches. I used the OEM shock mounts from my original axle. No biggee. And even if you had to pay to have that done, no more than a couple $100.

I paid $300 for the Suburban with a broken motor. I bought another '83 3/4 ton sub for $200 and a '76 Blazer for $300. They are out there, and they are cheap. If you can't do this swap for $1000 you didn't try. 1/2 ton axles are out there it seems all over because 3/4 ton such a better choice IMO but if driveability is the goal, the 1/2 tons will work great.

If you have the whole thing apart anyway, you could also swap the gear set into the existing 12 bolt housing (assuming you get a '73-'79 donor and not an 8.5" 10 bolt truck). Either way, the truck will be much more driveable and safer with discs.

[RanchTruck]

A tachometer to see what actual RPM the engine is turning would be the first step. Converting to a clutched cooling fan would greatly reduce the roar. Seeing on the tach that the engine isn't actually screaming, and not hearing the fan roaring, may be all you need to feel OK with driving it at highway speeds.