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Re: 4l80e, 3.42 or 3.73 gears?
An engine that makes lots of low RPM torque can pull the 3.42 without a lot of downshifting. That would be a 350 with a small cam, say less than 210 intake duration @ .050" tappet rise along with a 500-600 CFM carb (or a Q-jet). A 383 or a big block (with relatively mild cams) will easily pull a 3.42.
Oh, yeah, tire diameter comes into play here, also. The difference between a 31" and 28" tire is the same as the difference between a 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratio.
So, no one should choose or recommend an axle ratio without having the above info.
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Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!
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