1986 w250 gearing questions

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BiggPappaa

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Apr 9, 2020
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Vancouver
Ram Year
1986
Engine
5.9l 360
Hey guys I’m new here so go easy on me. Last year I got a 86 w250 360 4 speed with 56k original miles. Truck is in pristine shape.

Here’s my issue, I want to be able to drive it on the free way at 70 mph. I have the 435 4speed and I know it’s a great transmission but what are my options for getting up in speed.

70mph I’m spinning 3100rpm
60mph I’m spinning 2600rpm

Should I mess with my front and rear diff and try to get some higher gears? Or is there something I can do with the tranny?

I’d like to k ow what others have done to get some better fuel mileage and speed.

Thanks!
 

crazzywolfie

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81 93
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5.2
Nv4500 would likely be the only option or maybe a gear vender overdrive if they make one for that transmission but a nv4500 would likely be cheaper. Changing axle ratios likely wouldn't help you ballance things
 
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BiggPappaa

BiggPappaa

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Apr 9, 2020
Posts
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Location
Vancouver
Ram Year
1986
Engine
5.9l 360
Ah okay. Yea I’ve been looking and the NV4500 seems like a bit of a project with the clutch setup and everything.


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crazzywolfie

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ya there is a bit of work to make it work but still likely a lot cheaper than the $5k or so that the gear vendor overdrives cost. other option would be auto slushbox that has overdrive. nothing about making these get better fuel mileage is cheap.
 
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