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For the guys with 4.89s and stock engine/transmission, how do you handle not having synchros in 1st and 2nd? With my stock gearing I can bang around in 3rd and 4th, with 2nd reserved for "from stop" acceleration. With the 4.89 gearing, do you have trouble with low speed acceleration in 3rd gear, say going around a corner and downshifting into 3rd?

NCM,
If I compare my buddy's truck with 5:83's to mine with 4:89's the difference in acceleration is noticeable, but manageable. I usually drive around in 3rd/4th, but do have to drop to second for some of the hilly terrain in the area. I've improved my double clutch downshifts . Fortunately the 230's low speed torque is able to deal with most corners and such. I would not trade the 4:89's for 5:83's for the way I use my truck. It gets daily driver use and I need sustained 55-60 mph on the roads around here. I have not driven my buddy's truck at 55 mph, but I suspect it would be a bit busy. He sticks to 45 mph. I only have limited experience off road, but I can't say I felt I needed more gear for anything I was willing to tackle. Hope this helps.

Andy

with the larger 251 and the extra synchros in the t98 I have no bases for comparison.

however I still look for a lower gear when in the ruff. I hope the slower spinning 265 will eliminate the need for a 3 or 4spd tcase .

Thanks, good info. I would love to swap a T98 into mine to get that extra synchro...

I was thinking a direct narrow ratio np4500 with 7to1 1st and 1to1 fifth with 4.89s and 38in tall tires would be a very good combo for hwy and off road. that big gap between 2 and 3rd would be filled

I have no trouble shifting any of my transmissions.

Sounds like you need more practice.

There's no reason to grind any gear, unless clutch, or trans.
Needs work.
Tom

What Tom said! My '48 was 4 speeds with no synchro's. My Kenworth was 13 speeds with no synchro's. You soon learn the clutch is only to start from a dead stop.

I agree, just need some more practice matching your ground speed to engine RPMs and you will rarely use the clutch pedal.

Bert