Grant-
Sounds like you may have done something that I want to look at doing. I
have a '50 3600, stock except for the '59 235 engine. I'm not sure if the
4-speed transmission and rear end came with the truck or the motor, but it
runs great in its current condition. With the big 16's on Ford 8-hole rims,
I cruise at 50, and can go 60 at a decent RPM.
What I'm thinking about is changing the rear end for something a with a
little less torque, and a little more economy. Is this something that I can
do without cutting up the frame? I'd love to keep it as stock as I can,
with the drum brakes, and all, but would also like to drive comfortably on
the freeway when I have to, and not use so much gas. Any thoughts?
Thanks-
Smokey
'50 3600 5-window
-----Original Message-----
From: Grant Galbraith <trks@javanet.com>
To: RobXR250@aol.com <RobXR250@aol.com>; oletrucks@autox.team.net
<oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Date: Friday, June 18, 1999 7:12 AM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] installing a rear end in a 50 3100
>I'm sure you will get a variety of opinions on your question. I personally
wanted
>a old truck more than a rod but still wanted to be able to take it on the
>highway. I also balked at $400 for a ring a pinion that gives only 15 %
>improvement. I went with a 235 and S-10 5 speed that has OD. Of course for
the 5
>speed the torque tube had to go. Anything you use you will have to weld
spring
>perches on. I used a 3.90 out of a Task Force truck. Still has 6 bolt
wheels and
>the ratio is just right for OD trans. In OD you get a effective final ratio
of
>2.808. None of these changes require a single hole to be drilled in the
frame or
>welding to the frame. I retained all the old parts but doubt I will ever be
>putting them back. This combo is OK for the highway but with straight axle
and
>drum brakes I still don't want to be dodging traffic in the left lane at 75
and
>prefer two lanes when possible. Even on two lane roads I drive differently
than
>with a modern car and usually give everyone plenty of room and plan ahead.
Of
>course this invites everybody to pull out in front of this old truck coming
down
>the road and requires a different frame of mind than the competitive
driving mode
>so many are in here in Conn. Other things I added that I highly recommend
is the
>after market sway bar and radials. Good luck.
>
>Grant 50 3100
>
>RobXR250@aol.com wrote:
>
>> I recently purchased a 50 3100. since the cost of getting new gears for
the
>> rear end is $400 I'd rather just buy a new rear end from a salvage yard.
i
>> was wondering if anyone has found a rear end that is easy to install with
>> minimal fabrication. Also im not sure if i'll be keeping the 216 and
colum 3
>> spd so if anyone knows of a engine/tranny set up that isn't bad, let me
know.
>> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
>
>
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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