[shep2]

Hey fellas,
My truck has the inline 216 in it and I am trying to plan out what to do with the engine, transmission, driveline, and rear end.

I know I am updating the transmission and I am leaning towards swapping in a 235 inline 6 or a small v8 such as the 283. The 216 just has very little power. I'm not intrerested in extreme power, just would like to be able to cruise the highway comfortably.

So my question is, what will the stock rear end handle in the 3100? If the stock rear end will handle the 283 or 327 I may keep it in place.
I know it will handle the 235 but not sure about the 283 or 327.

Thanks,
Shep

[AutoGear]

HP doesnt break axles...Torque does.

That being said, if you're going to drive like my Drivers Ed teacher wanted us to...It'll be fine with a mild 283 or 327, especially if you're using an automatic.

[Centerline]

If your truck has the original rear end with the original gearing you'll probably want to swap it out anyway. The 1/2 ton trucks had a torque tube driveshaft which isn't compatible with a modern transmission and the stock gearing is way to high for comfortable highway speeds. These trucks were designed for dirt roads and normal cruising speeds of around 40 mph. Out on the highway that little 216 would be screaming at 60... if you could get going that fast.

So... the solution is a mid 70's Camaro or Firebird 10 bolt rear end. They're the correct width, they're plentiful, have decent gearing, and if you don't want a posi it will be pretty inexpensive. It will also be compatible with whatever modern GM trans you might want to use.

Good luck.

Centerline
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