Running Gear

[apocalypse]

Hey Guys,
I was wondering what running gear you guys are using in your rear end? I talked with the guys at the local transmission shop and they suggested I swap it to get a better drive down the highway. I have a 283 with the 3 spd with overdrive and it just seems that the motor needs to be shifted again. I was thinking of swapping the tranny, but they said it wouldn't do any good because's probably a running gear issue. Not sure what running gear I have in it. I was just wondering if you all have done any changes on your own and maybe get some advice. Thanks for all the great advice in advance!
Mark

[notsolo]

373 is what is in my 62 with a 283 and a 3 speed, gets 10-12 mpg but is a decent driver.

[Captainfab]

The term 'running gear' refers to the entire front and rear suspension, differential, etc.

It sounds like you are referring to the differential gear? The most common differential gear is a 3.73. With your 3 speed with OD, the rpm's shouldn't be too bad. What size rear tires are you running? The OD of the rear tires will make a difference in engine rpm's at a given speed. Changing your gears to 3.42's will drop your rpm's a few hundred and you will still have decent takeoff from a stop. A set of 3.07's will drop the rpm's a noticeable amount, but your takeoff performance will suffer some with the 283 not producing good low end torque.