62 stepside rear end

[62step]

Hey Guys, First post.
I have a 62 stepside that I am restoring, I got it from a friend who partially started restoring it. Frame sandblasted and paint, new brake lines fuel lines etc. was done. He did the 70's front end for 5 lug and rear he did 12 bolt 5 lug also. I am rebuilding this truck for a good cruiser, but I also want to be able to get on it when I hit the gas.. I'm putting a 350 motor bored .040 over with flat top pistons 041X heads and edelbrock performer intake, 274H comp cams, and probably 750 edelbrock carb.. For the trans I might go with a turbo 350.. I'm not too sure how to do a torque converter lock up switch for the 700r4's..

Back to my question..
I have 3.07 gears in the rear end now, will that be good enough gears to get up and go and do a couple burnouts in? It doesn't have posi either..

I was thinking about 3.73 maybe with the turbo 350 trans and posi. I would have to replace the whole carrier for that ratio correct?

Thanks in advance for the help and answers!

This forum is awesome.

Mike

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Welcome to the forum!
Glad to see another '62 on here.

Personally, I'd suggest a 3.42 or 3.55 gear. You engine should have more than enough power to set you back in your seat and still have a decent RPM for cruising on the highway.
just my .02 though

[HumphreyMurdoch]

That's if you go TH350, if you go to an OD trans you definitely want 3.73 gears.

[Joe Pass]

I'm using a 3.42 ratio and TH-350 in mine...It gives you the best of both worlds with out overdrive. 12 bolts are popular and plentiful so you could change it around if you results aren't satisfactory for not much $$$.

[Joe Pass]

To answer you other question you can get a 3.73 ring and pinion that fits a series 3 case or a 4 case "Richmond Gear Ring and Pinion Sets 4900721" with that cam your low end will suffer a bit even with 3.42 so you might want to get a torque converter with a slightly higher stall than stock like 2000-2200 rpm. Just my opinion....

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum Mike

With that cam, I believe you will need a bit of a stall converter, like a 2000-2200 as mentioned by Joe Pass. Those 3.07 gears will probably be ok as long as you don't go with a tall tire. L also agree that 3.42's would be a better gear with the TH350, and you won't have to change the carrier. Although you'll likely be wanting a posi before long.

If it were mw, I would go with the 700R4 and 3.73 gears. There are lots and lots and lots of threads on the 700R4 in the Engine and Drivetrain section. The torque converter lockup is fairly easy. It is the TV cable setup that can be a bit of a pain, but absolutely must be done correctly.

[62step]

Thanks for the input guys! I think the recommended stall converter for the cam is like a 2500 maybe. Hopefully I can post some pics of the truck soon. It's in pieces lol

[62step]

How I found it with my friend:


How it sits now, but without the bed on and fenders (lowered about 4-5"):

[kieth]

Originally Posted by 62step

Hey Guys, First post.
I have a 62 stepside that I am restoring, I got it from a friend who partially started restoring it. Frame sandblasted and paint, new brake lines fuel lines etc. was done. He did the 70's front end for 5 lug and rear he did 12 bolt 5 lug also. I am rebuilding this truck for a good cruiser, but I also want to be able to get on it when I hit the gas.. I'm putting a 350 motor bored .040 over with flat top pistons 041X heads and edelbrock performer intake, 274H comp cams, and probably 750 edelbrock carb.. For the trans I might go with a turbo 350.. I'm not too sure how to do a torque converter lock up switch for the 700r4's..

Back to my question..
I have 3.07 gears in the rear end now, will that be good enough gears to get up and go and do a couple burnouts in? It doesn't have posi either..

I was thinking about 3.73 maybe with the turbo 350 trans and posi. I would have to replace the whole carrier for that ratio correct?

Thanks in advance for the help and answers!

This forum is awesome.

Mike

Send me the diameter of the tires and wheels on the rear end (ground to the top of the tire)
Your email address so I can email you a excel spreadsheet (cannot post it to the board)
I will send you a spreadsheet that shows you how your truck will perform as it is now and also how it would perform with most transmissions and other rear axle ratios. Your question about 3:73 can be answered with this spreadsheet. Kieth Tulsa, Ok

ps if ;you plan on changing tire sizes later let me know what it is and I can also make a spreadsheet that shows performance with those diameters. Kieth

[62step]

Thanks a lot! My email address is littlemlittle@gmail.com I have the truck up on jackstands right now so I can't get the dimensions.. Will tomorrow.

[AcampoDave]

I say try the 3.07. Based on having had a few myself, I think you might just like it. They are a good all around rear end for a 3 spd and 15" rims. Burnouts included.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

I say try the 3.07. Based on having had a few myself, I think you might just like it. They are a good all around rear end for a 3 spd and 15" rims. Burnouts included.

Yes, try it and drive it. You might like it.
If not, you'll then have a lot better idea what to try next.