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3.70 Drive [message #237710]

Mon, 27 January 2014 20:16

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

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Anybody run route 58 from Barstow to Santa Margarita in a GMC 260 with a towd? (455 engine) Am I gonna need the 3.7 gears to get this combo through those hills?

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237715 is a reply to message #237710]

Mon, 27 January 2014 20:48

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

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I ran that route with 3000 pound towd and 307. Was on my way to Applied to get the 355 installed. 455 engine. No problems.. What a fun ride coming down into Bakersfield.
Dan

3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237719 is a reply to message #237710]

Mon, 27 January 2014 21:40

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Thanks Dan...I believe I have the same setup and will be using a tow dolly to get the electric on demand braking needed for the downhill. It's nice to know someone has made that trip with the cruiser gears without having to push with the towd.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237734 is a reply to message #237710]

Mon, 27 January 2014 23:37

gbarrow2

Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...

Karma: 3

Senior Member

Terry,
If your engine is running properly and you're not suffering from vapor lock or overheating you won't have any problem pulling any grades on any state, federal or interstate hi-way in California. Just gear down and keep the revs up.

I don't normally travel on 58 from the Central Valley to Santa Margarita but I've crossed many times pulling a toad on 41, 46, 198, 152, 580, 36, 299 and 199.

299 from Redding to Eureka is by far the worst. but its not a problem for the 403 or 455 and 3.07 gears.

Adjust your brakes before you start out and be careful on the down hills.

Have a safe trip

Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237737 is a reply to message #237734]

Tue, 28 January 2014 00:08

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

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Thanks Gene, and if I get into any trouble, I'll sure be posting about it if I'm still alive!

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237743 is a reply to message #237710]

Tue, 28 January 2014 04:43

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

Senior Member

Let us know when you head out Terry. The folks on west side of Rockies have some very pretty areas to travel. I carry the western guide to the passes on all highways but rarely change our plans due to a grade.i also love the area coming into and leaving Barstow.
Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] 3.70 Drive [message #237746 is a reply to message #237710]

Tue, 28 January 2014 05:54

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

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Stock GMCs have been doing it for 40 years :>)
On Monday, January 27, 2014, Terry <mrbullitt@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
> Anybody run route 58 from Barstow to Santa Margarita in a GMC 260 with a
towd? (455 engine) Am I gonna need the 3.7 gears to get this combo through
those hills?
> --
> Terry Kelpien
> 73 Glacier 260
> Smithfield, Va.
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> GMCnet mailing list
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>

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Re: 3.70 Drive [message #237785 is a reply to message #237710]

Tue, 28 January 2014 09:45

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

Bullitthead wrote on Mon, 27 January 2014 19:16

Anybody run route 58 from Barstow to Santa Margarita in a GMC 260 with a towd? (455 engine) Am I gonna need the 3.7 gears to get this combo through those hills?

You don't "need" a 3.70 for much of anything. Just make sure your transmission is in good condition and your shift linkage works. You will probably need to pull it down into second gear no matter what final drive ratio you have. The 3.7o just makes it easier on the rest of the drivetrain.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

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