Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train Adapting a 1955 open drivetrain

There is a reason these engines are so respected. It is because they do the job they were engineered to do so well. They develop good torque when working in a certain rpm range. The gearing in the transmission and rear end allow you to select were in the mph scale the engine hits the torque range. Some engine mods come into play too. The smaller the numbers in the rear end ratio the faster the axle turns and the higher the mph. This comes with the cost of less power for moving stuff. The 3.38s might be great for a light load at highway speeds. With an OD higher speed lower rpm and less power. Try to find ratios with the best use of torque through the rpm range your engine likes best.

This is where you have to be honest with yourself about what you will "really" want the truck to do. There are many ratio-rpm charts on line that will help get the speed you want in a rpm range you are comfortable with. Tire diameter is as important as gear ratios. (the original reason for big & littles) Where you will be doing most of you driving is important too. Flat land at sea level has a different effect than mountains at 6,000 feet. Do it once.