Rear axle change.

[Floridianson]

The truck is a parade queen and at this time I keep her clean on hard roads so I do not need the front axle engaged. I would love to do both front and rear axles with better ratios but for now I would like to do just the rear. I got hold of member Steve and asked if he would build me a rear but he says he is going in a little different directions at this time. So question is there any rear civilian axles that would be just about a direct fit with little modifications. The other way would be find someone capable and build me a direct fit so I can bleed the brakes and be done. Thoughts. Tanks.

 

[Floridianson]

Ok I will be patient but 29 views and no response? Next question if you please. From the TM 3400 rpm is the governed engine speed if I read it correctly. The choice of gear ratio is what I would like to have help with. I would like to truck to be geared to at 3400 rpm then the speed would fall in around 70 mph tops. I do not need anything higher than that for what / how I will drive it. I would like to find a nice little cruse speed of lets say 55 to 60. I would like to find where the torque and horse power cross on a dyno sheet and to me that would be the sweet spot to cruse at. Then any suggestions on who can do a good job on the building of my axle. I am willing to travel to get the axle made and or even take out my rear and drop it off with whoever so they can match up the perch's so as said all I have to do it bolt it up and bleed the brakes. Would be nice if they could build the axle shaft so the wheel bolt pattern was the same so I could keep my NDT's and combat wheels. O well thoughts suggestions? Tanks

 

[NDT]

Vintage Power Wagons has the 4.89s in stock. That is what you want.

 

[Floridianson]

I will give them them a call and thank you sir.

 

[Roller]

Ok I will be patient but 29 views and no response? Next question if you please. From the TM 3400 rpm is the governed engine speed if I read it correctly. The choice of gear ratio is what I would like to have help with. I would like to truck to be geared to at 3400 rpm then the speed would fall in around 70 mph tops. I do not need anything higher than that for what / how I will drive it. I would like to find a nice little cruse speed of lets say 55 to 60. I would like to find where the torque and horse power cross on a dyno sheet and to me that would be the sweet spot to cruse at. Then any suggestions on who can do a good job on the building of my axle. I am willing to travel to get the axle made and or even take out my rear and drop it off with whoever so they can match up the perch's so as said all I have to do it bolt it up and bleed the brakes. Would be nice if they could build the axle shaft so the wheel bolt pattern was the same so I could keep my NDT's and combat wheels. O well thoughts suggestions? Tanks

Installing 4.89 gears would be the easiest route. Everything would fit and you would get the mph you want.

Frank

 

[G744]

4.89:1 gears will pick up speed, but will be limited by horsepower.

If it makes it to 70mph at all, it won't hold it on any hill steeper than a matchbook cover...

6000 lbs @ 86 HP. Streamlined like a brick.

DG

 

[Floridianson]

Thanks guys talked to Vintage this morning. I have decided with all the other projects I have going on I will remove the whole axle and drop it off to them. That way get er done right by someone that has ridden that horse before. Can you say road trip from Fl. to Iowa.

 

[Floridianson]

Call to bug them again and I was a day late and a dollar short. They just sold all the parts to make the switch for the 4.89 ratio. He said it might be 6 to 8 months before they make the order to make a run and to see if there is enough interest to order another run. Was wondering if anyone here might be thinking about the switch. Might be enough to get them made sooner. Hope they decide to make another parts run and I must learn to be patient.

 

[John Mc]

Installing 4.89 gears would be the easiest route. Everything would fit and you would get the mph you want.

Frank

Is it a stock 230 engine? If so, I hope you are only driving the truck on level ground

 

[nattieleather]

As for the original question. All I can say is look around for a civilian Dodge Power wagon of the same era and you might find an axle or at least the pumpkin with the lower gear ratios that you are looking for. You might be able to swap the axle that way...but it's not going to an easy find. Think needle in the hay stack. As for getting new gears you can also check with Charles at M Series Rebuild I think they have new rings and pinions, but be prepared to sacrifice a virgin or two to pay for them. Also check with Midwest Military to see if he has them.

I have known M37 owners who have changed the rear ratio and they say that 55-60 is a good run speed all day long.

Also, you could swap a Dana 60 axle from just about any 3/4 ton truck and get a strong axle with parts available at almost anywhere....BUT! that will change the bolt pattern of the rims among other things.

Good luck with your project and post pictures of what you end up doing.

 

[Floridianson]

You think there are any virgins left and thanks for the post. Yea I thought about a reworked Dana and as I said in the other post I was hoping Steve 6x6x6 would cut down the one side to match the rear off set as he is just down the street. Sad but true he said he is done building axles. Seems like I am always a day late and a dollar short. .Guess I will still have fun with it and be looking good at 35/40 mph for now.

 

[Roller]

You think there are any virgins left and thanks for the post. Yea I thought about a reworked Dana and as I said in the other post I was hoping Steve 6x6x6 would cut down the one side to match the rear off set as he is just down the street. Sad but true he said he is done building axles. Seems like I am always a day late and a dollar short. .Guess I will still have fun with it and be looking good at 35/40 mph for now.

You could also try Bob Stahl at Veteran Vehicles, https://www.veteranvehicles.com/, he specializes in gear swaps, rebuilding, and parts.

Frank

 

[Floridianson]

Is it a stock 230 engine? If so, I hope you are only driving the truck on level ground

Yes stock. I will just go for a drive when I have a tail wind.

 

[Roller]

Yes stock. I will just go for a drive when I have a tail wind.

There are a pair of rebuilt 4.89 gears on the G503 forum right now. https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=320219










t

 

[Floridianson]

There are a pair of rebuilt 4.89 gears on the G503 forum right now. https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=320219


Thanks for the link. They do look like they need some TLC. Maybe I just call Wess I know he has plenty of turbos he would sell me. Quickest truck to 40 mph around.