11-07-2011, 12:22 PM | #1 |
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Location: Senatobia, MS
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Which Way To Go??
1957 3100 with a 283. Truck will not be used to haul or tow. Just want a reliable cruiser that can ride thru town or jump on the highway without worry.
Current set up is a TH350 with original 57 rear and 3.90 gears. 40-50 MPH = about 2500 RPM so I usually just stay off the interstate and even in town, my gas mileage is suffering. My question is should I go with a different (6 lug) rear end or keep it and swap out the TH350 for a 700R4. Would like to hear all opinions and advice. Thanks in advance.
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11-07-2011, 02:40 PM | #2 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
If your looking for better mileage I think the transmission swap would accomplish it better than a rear gear swap.
IMHO if you do the gears only your going to see a drop in driveability around town. The best case would be to do both. Just as a reference my brothers 62 f**d with a modular V8 has a 4 speed auto with 3.25 gears and gets 20 mpg and is real easy to drive around town and on the highway. Kim |
11-07-2011, 07:11 PM | #3 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
Change the transmission. 4th gear is .70 so your 2500 rpm will drop to about 1750. Also has a lower 1st gear for quicker off the line response.
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11-07-2011, 07:21 PM | #4 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
The trans change would probably give you the best all around driving truck. It would have decent highway manners but still be able to pull a trailer or have good low end acceleration.
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11-08-2011, 12:43 PM | #5 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
I went with a early Camaro 10 bolt 273 gears, with a turbo 350 I run 70 on freeway all day long. Easy to find, 2" narrower than stock so you can run a deeper rear wheel. Will need to install new spring perches but you will need to change things to run 700R4, more cost effective I think to do rearend. Oh yea it gets alot better mileage too, my driveability is great around town, will do a first gear burnout.
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11-08-2011, 12:51 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
Quote:
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11-08-2011, 01:13 PM | #7 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
You can also purchase a 3:38 to 1 ring gear and pinion for your stock rearend.
http://www.yukongear.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=823
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11-08-2011, 10:25 PM | #8 |
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Re: Which Way To Go??
Pretty sure this is my gear ratio too. I have a (too) cammed 283 with Edelbrock dual plane intake and Holley carb, headers. 10 bolt rearend and I can freeway drive with no issues at all. Older Chevy 5 x 4-3/4", 5 lug pattern.
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