My friend has a 49 that he begrudgingly decided to update last year.This makes numerous crosscountry trips too.The 216 babbit still ran OK but was getting weak,bolt holes stripped out on rear main cap so in goes a (new) 235 babbit.He found an overdrive 5 sp and the differential looked fine,I adjusted backlash on the ring and installed new pinion seal,ready for another 50 years.Cut the shaft for the 5 and used the truck for a setup lathe,piece of wire visegripped to the frame for a dial indicator,turn the shaft until a light steady drag is achieved and tack four spots,then weld it up.Cruises 60 at about2400rpms all day long.Switched from 18 to 20 in rubber which dropped final drive ratio too.He hauls units of specialty lumber and book binding suplies cross country with it.Gets around 20 mpg.Acool old truck.
