Another Gearing Question.....

[Moose Drool]

I have an '84 K1500 with a 350 and Muncie SM465. Prior owner put in 4:10's and 33" tires.
I recently put on 31's and going to swap out the lift kit and put it back to stock height. At 60 mph the rpm is 2400-2500. Should I regear to bring the rpm's down some? I also plan to tow a 5500# trailer this summer.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Customblue]

I was awlays told 2400 or so was ideal cruising rpm for a small block

 

[waynew]

Just my 2 cents but I think you will need the higher rpm for towing that much weight. Not the same situation but, back in the day I towed a loaded goose neck from Missouri to Wyoming with a '76 K20 350/350. I could only do 45 up some of the steeper grades and got 4 mpg on that trip. If I recall correctly that truck turned north of 3000 rpm at highway speeds.

 

[Curt]

It honestly depends on your power.The older trucks,especially 1 tons was geared low for towing.Getting some where real fast wasn’t too much a concern then.

I would keep the 4.10s.If you don’t have the power it will help between gears on that tranny while towing,help your clutch too.

 

[Shorty81]

I'd say you are at the sweet spot with your gearing.