Originally Posted by Lazy Hog Farmer

Steve, Before you get all "geared" up to swap out the whole rearend you might consider the ring and pinion ratio ( axle ratio ). When I found my '40, it had "stump puller" gearing in the differential ( 4:66 to 1 ). I changed them out to 3:78's which allowed me to cruise at around 60mph with the non synchroed 4 speed. Now I have a '39 synchroed 3 speed and I wish I had gone higher with at least 3:54's. There is a lot to consider but for me it was very cost effective and the rearend is still stock. New gear sets are spendy but there are many good used ones out there. I found my 3:78's at a swap meet for $20.