Posted by Charlie on September 11, 1999 at 01:18:34:
In Reply to: Re: "HEY CHARLIE" NP 420/Bellhousing posted by Gary on September 10, 1999 at 08:13:19:
Now I understand. Yes, get a truck bellhousing and use a NP435. With 4.89s, and overdrive won't be necessary unless lots of Interstate driving is planned. You'll turn about 2500 at 60 mph. But you will have a definite weak link, the ring/pinion and axle shafts. I strongly recommend a swap to 3/4 ton axles, might as well do the whole housing and innards. Your ring gear is 8.75", the later on 9.625"; axle shaft is 1.3125", later is 1.375"; I believe wheel bearings are a bit bigger. Either that or go to Dana 60 front, 70 or 14 bolt rear. But if you do that, might as well get 16.5 wheels and run 42" Swampers. Or 12.5 or 14.5R20 Michelin XZLs or XLs. For sure a 44o and big tires is a prescription for trouble with 1/2 ton axles.
Charlie