Gear Ratios - 1955 Chevy Pickup

[Drifter]

This is my first post on the forum and I have a question that relates to the gear ratio on the 1955 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup.

I have the stock rearend in the vehicle and it originally had a six cylinder engine in it. It now has a V8 and a very low gear ratio. I am trying to find out if there was more than one gear ratio available for that vehicle so I could install it on the truck.

I know I can get after market Ford rear ends but they exceed my spending ability.

I appreciate your help

Bob

[stumpuller454]

Factory gear ratios 3.90, optional 4.11 (if overdrive equipt) and 4.57 for three quarter tons.

[Drifter]

Thanks Stuppuller

I am assuming the truck did not have overdrive so it would be 3.9. Is there an economical way to get a higher gear ratio?

Thanks

Bob

[stumpuller454]

my book of chevy knowledge doesn`t say what model differential came in those trucks, and i don`t know off hand, so its hard to say if gear sets are easily available for your truck, checked out richmondgear.com and the closet year only shows an (early) GM 8.2 "drop out" model (55-64 Chevrolet), however it didn`t show a 3.90 ratio, they had 3.55, 3.73, 4.11, 4.57. go to the site and see if the description and picture of the differential looks like yours. + there are many other differential sites if you want more different ratio options. OR just stick some huge fat slicks on the back!!

[Drifter]

Thanks Stumppuller

Bob