Gears

[Brian81]

Here is what I have. 1981 K30 with 454 4spd 4x4 long box. The truck has 4.56 gears in it with 33 inch tires. I would like to find 3.42 gears for it. But can only find ones for the 14 bolt and not the dana 60. I would like to be able to go down the highway with out the engine screaming. Any help on where to look you be great.

 

[nvrenuf]

For the 14 bolt you'll find 3.23 or 3.73 (iirc, the 3.42 are for a semi floater). The d60 will go down to I think 3.73 - there are higher ratios available but they fit a d61 housing.

IMO, your best bet is 3.73 as 3.42 or higher is a poor match to 33"+ tires.

 

[skysurfer]

For the 14 bolt you'll find 3.23 or 3.73 (iirc, the 3.42 are for a semi floater). The d60 will go down to I think 3.73 - there are higher ratios available but they fit a d61 housing.

IMO, your best bet is 3.73 as 3.42 or higher is a poor match to 33"+ tires.

X2. The tallest matched set listed by Randy's Ring & Pinion is 3.73. There's a 3.54 available for the D60 but you can't get those for the 14b FF. As it is, going from 4.56 to 3.73 is a big change in ratio. Your current setup is giving you 60.2 mph at 2800 rpm. Switching to 3.73's would yield 74 mph at the same 2800 rpm.