Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pvienneau · 07-28-2015, 05:48 PM

Other than the gear and pinion what do I need to pick up? My mechanic is capable but not sure h will have access to partd for a 49.
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Old Crow · 07-29-2015, 06:40 AM

Check out Patrick's. Despite a recent thread here, he's taken pretty good care of me, and both he an his son, Philip, are a wealth of information.
The 3.55 kit we bought from him was complete and perfect in every way. Now if I could just get the rest of the truck finished so we can check it out on the road.

OrrieG · 07-29-2015, 03:50 PM

As long as you have it apart any bearings that look questionable. Use a dial indicator and take some measurements for play as you disassemble. You will obviously need seals and gaskets.

tmoble · 07-30-2015, 02:56 AM

WHatever bearing you don't have on hand will be the one you need. 2 carrier bearings, 2 pinion bearings.

Get Down · 07-30-2015, 09:38 AM

When you change the gearing please come back in here and post your thoughts on the change. Not so much as as the actual work changing out the gears but the difference in performance. Thanks

**mr48chev** · 07-30-2015, 01:49 PM

I'd agree with putting in new carrier and pinion bearings when doing the gear swap. They may come with the kit as I have never checked the kit out to see if it has bearings, seal (if needed) and gaskets. I'd think seriously about axle bearings and seals too at the same time while it is apart. Then you know everything is fresh and should be good for a lot of miles and years.

Old Crow · 07-30-2015, 04:55 PM

If you buy the ring and pinion as well as the install kit from Patrick's, it's got every thing you need, including the okie bushing for the front of the drive shaft, bearings(pinion, carrier, and axle)shims, gaskets, the gasket kit for the bell, and even the tool you need when installing the driveshaft/pinion assembly back in the torque tube. All I had to buy extra was gear oil.

pvienneau · 07-30-2015, 05:28 PM

I found the ring and pinion for 350 with free shipping. So my plan is to get every part replaced while they have it torn down
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07-28-2015, 05:48 PM	#1
pvienneau Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 695	Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD Other than the gear and pinion what do I need to pick up? My mechanic is capable but not sure h will have access to partd for a 49. Posted via Mobile Device

07-29-2015, 06:40 AM	#2
Old Crow Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Fox, AR Posts: 394	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD Check out Patrick's. Despite a recent thread here, he's taken pretty good care of me, and both he an his son, Philip, are a wealth of information. The 3.55 kit we bought from him was complete and perfect in every way. Now if I could just get the rest of the truck finished so we can check it out on the road. __________________ Old Crow '54 Chevy Panel, '00 Bounder 36S, '95 Jeep YJ

07-29-2015, 03:50 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD As long as you have it apart any bearings that look questionable. Use a dial indicator and take some measurements for play as you disassemble. You will obviously need seals and gaskets. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

07-30-2015, 02:56 AM	#4
tmoble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Glendale, Az Posts: 1,062	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD WHatever bearing you don't have on hand will be the one you need. 2 carrier bearings, 2 pinion bearings.

07-30-2015, 09:38 AM	#5
Get Down Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: American soil Posts: 95	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD When you change the gearing please come back in here and post your thoughts on the change. Not so much as as the actual work changing out the gears but the difference in performance. Thanks

07-30-2015, 01:49 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,561	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD I'd agree with putting in new carrier and pinion bearings when doing the gear swap. They may come with the kit as I have never checked the kit out to see if it has bearings, seal (if needed) and gaskets. I'd think seriously about axle bearings and seals too at the same time while it is apart. Then you know everything is fresh and should be good for a lot of miles and years. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

07-30-2015, 04:55 PM	#7
Old Crow Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Fox, AR Posts: 394	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD If you buy the ring and pinion as well as the install kit from Patrick's, it's got every thing you need, including the okie bushing for the front of the drive shaft, bearings(pinion, carrier, and axle)shims, gaskets, the gasket kit for the bell, and even the tool you need when installing the driveshaft/pinion assembly back in the torque tube. All I had to buy extra was gear oil. __________________ Old Crow '54 Chevy Panel, '00 Bounder 36S, '95 Jeep YJ

07-30-2015, 05:28 PM	#8
pvienneau Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 695	Re: Upgrading to 3:55:1 in AD I found the ring and pinion for 350 with free shipping. So my plan is to get every part replaced while they have it torn down Posted via Mobile Device



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