Hi all,
Just looking for some real world input. My 56 panel truck has a 460 with mild build at about 500 hp. Currently I run a C6 with 29" tires and a 2.75 rear. Cruising at 70 is awesome at about 2100 rpms, but think I might be happier with a 3.25 or 3.50. Looking for imput from guys with similar set ups with the steeper gears. Considering getting a 3.50 and switching out to the 2.75s on any yearly road trips...wondering if that would be a PITA every year. Gear vendors is not an option , the C6 is here to stay.

 

Having driven hundreds of thousands of miles in Florida, I never encountered a hill or mountain there where I needed or wanted any higher (numerical) gearing. If you are pulling a heavy trailer, then go higher if needed. That 460 should give you plenty of torque to turn those tires at that ratio. Changing a rear end is not my favorite pastime although a nine inch is not too bad.
Edit: BTW, you may be turning a slight bit higher than you indicate.

 

I started out with 4.11 gears in my 49. I'm running a 500ci Caddy with a TH400 trans. I'd love to change the TH400 out for a 4 speed auto but right now I don't have the time or money.
The 4.11's were a lot of fun. Its really fun to break the tires loose shifting into 2nd but, for everyday driving...they sucked.

I swapped the gears out for some 2.75 gears and I love them! I can now run the truck down the interstate at 75MPH with no issues at all. Hills don't seem to be a problem. The big Caddy just eats them up. I even get 17+ MPG out of the thing. Heck, it barely hurt my time at the dragstrip. I think I lost .4 of a second overall...No biggie.

I say stick with the 2.75's

Bobby

 

My opinion is pretty negligible as my truck isn't drivable yet.

But ... I went with 3.00 gears. With all the reading I put into it. Without overdrive, a gear numerically higher than 3.25 didn't fit well with my cruising goals.

Just my 2cents.

 

Thanks guys! Just the kind of experience I'm looking for .
Don't have an interior yet, but figure it'll weigh a few hundred pounds more... At 3750 lbs without driver right now...again,
Thanks