Looking at 1955 3200 to buy but geared to low

[vwbug]

Im Thinking about buying a 1955 3200 with the strait 6 motor was rebuilt it runs great Its a 4 speed with granny gear BUT its geared to low can't drive it on the freeway. Is there any where to get get differnt rearend gears or does the rearend need to be changed with a newer one? I see a lot parts out there for 1/2 tons but not 3/4 tons trucks. PLEASE Help. Mark

[mr48chev]

I think that particular style of rear axle carries up though the mid 60's so there may be better gear ratios available. You can probably find ring and pinion sets through the Truck parts vendors like LMC or Brothers or __________- ______________ ________ or through outfits that specialize in rear axle parts.
The best bet may be finding someone pulling a good rear end out of a 3100 with an automatic or 3 speed to put in a 5 lug rear axle. I'm not sure what ratios those came with but that might be a start in the right direction.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

A 3200 is not a 3/4 ton. It is a long wheelbase half ton & should have the same rear end as a 1/2 ton. There are 3.38 gear sets available for them which will make it road worthy. Another good way to go is a 5 speed o-drive trans from a S-10 pickup.

[G&R's57GMC]

I put larger tires on my '56 3200 tamed it down a bunch.

But then again I don't drive it over 60 mph much. If I have to go a long distance on the Hwy. I just tuck in with the semi's and cruise.

[zenchal26]

It's not a 2 speed rear end is it?

[G&R's57GMC]

This is a '55 3600.

It could have a 2sp as an option.

[vwbug]

I Asked him again its not a 3200 but is a 3/4 truck.

[ruby57]

Originally Posted by vwbug

I Asked him again its not a 3200 but is a 3/4 truck.

Ruby is a '57 3200 series 1/2 ton with 3.73 gears and she's fine driving at 55-60mph. -Doug