HI Guys- Great to read all the solutions for this problem that we all go through as we change things on these old trucks. Biggest problem with the Chevs and torque tubes is that you can't easily change just one major component.
If you want a bone stock appearing truck that's just fine, but we can't leave well enough alone, I didn't.
FYI my 46 has had the following rear ends in the 30 years I've owned the thing:
Stock torque tube with 4:11 gears.
Passenger car torque tube with 3:55s, but 6 lug.
57 truck with 3:90s.
Now, 65 pickup rear with 3:08.
For my money the trans and rear end gear selection is just as critical to the enjoyment of the truck as is the motor.
Another plus in changing the entire rear axle is you'll step up to the more modern brakes. I also installed the 57 truck drums on the I beam, now have better brakes on all four corners.
Best of luck George.
