What Rear End Gear Ratio Came in 54 GMC 150?

[69l46vert]

Can anyone tell me what the rear end ratio came in a 1954 GMC 150 3/4 ton? I'm thinking it must had rather low gearing. Wondering if I should use the original or change out to something more drivable. Thanks, Rick

[whitedog76]

The 54 3/4 tons would've had the same rearend as their Chevy counterparts, which is the Eaton HO52. It would've had a 4.57 gear ratio. The 1 tons had a 5.13 ratio.

Unfortunately, GM didn't offer anything higher until the 67-72 trucks came out. They offered a 4.11 for the V8 Automatic 2wd trucks. Unfortunately, those are pretty rare.

You could swap out the whole rearend for a later model. The GM 14 bolt dually rearend from 73 on up is a popular swap. It has the same basic width as the earlier Eatons. Another popular swap is a Dana60 from Ford and Dodge vans. They are slightly wider than the 14 bolt, so rims with a little deeper offset may be required.

[69l46vert]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

The 54 3/4 tons would've had the same rearend as their Chevy counterparts, which is the Eaton HO52. It would've had a 4.57 gear ratio. The 1 tons had a 5.13 ratio.

Unfortunately, GM didn't offer anything higher until the 67-72 trucks came out. They offered a 4.11 for the V8 Automatic 2wd trucks. Unfortunately, those are pretty rare.

You could swap out the whole rearend for a later model. The GM 14 bolt dually rearend from 73 on up is a popular swap. It has the same basic width as the earlier Eatons. Another popular swap is a Dana60 from Ford and Dodge vans. They are slightly wider than the 14 bolt, so rims with a little deeper offset may be required.

Thanks WhiteDog for the info. Hmm, 4.57 is pretty low gearing.
Out behind my barn I actually have a rusted out 72 GMC K2500 V8 4wd 4speed that has a Dana (I believe Chevy's came with a Corporate rear axle that year) and it has 4:11's. IIRC it's a Dana 44. Maybe it's 60?
Do you think it would be a good match or would it be too wide? Thanks, Rick